Health Canada has approved Concerta (methylphenidate HCl) Extended-release Tablets for use in adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Until now Concerta was approved for the treatment of ADHD in children aged six to 12 years, Johnson and Johnson announced here.

In a clinical study of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years, Concerta at doses up to 72 mg significantly reduced ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty paying attention to schoolwork.

"ADHD causes impairments that can span over a child's or adolescent's life- time," Dr. Declan Quinn, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan says adding, "To give these children, and especially adolescents, a better chance in life and help them reach their full potential, a reliable treatment regimen including behavioural therapy and extended-release medication like Concerta is important. An effective once a day dose schedule will help with compliance and is very important for the adolescent."

When children and adolescents with ADHD go untreated or are inadequately treated, they can be at risk for developing poor academic performance and poor social skills which can lead to more significant consequences later in life, including unemployment, criminal behaviour and substance misuse.

"One-dose-per-day medications such as Concerta control symptoms of ADHD, take medication out of the classroom and minimize the 'ups and downs' in behaviour associated with multiple dosing, throughout the day," comments Dr. Martin Gignac, child psychiatrist at the Philippe Pinel Institute in Montreal.