Matthijssen AFM, Dietrich A, Bierens M, et al. - Researchers assessed the continued benefits of methylphenidate treatment in children and adolescents with ADHD following 2 years of use. They assigned 94 children and adolescents (ages 8–18 years) who had received methylphenidate for > 2 years to double-blind continuation of treatment for 7 weeks (36 or 54 mg/day of extended-release methylphenidate) or gradual withdrawal over 3 weeks, to 4 weeks of placebo. They found that, after long-term use, continued treatment with methylphenidate remained effective. However, methylphenidate could be withdrawn from some individual patients without deterioration. The authors noted that their findings support guidelines recommending periodical assessment of patients to determine the continued need for methylphenidate treatment.