Long-Acting Stimulant Pharmacotherapy Improves Academic Performance in Students with ADHD

Strategic Insights -

Research has shown that long-acting stimulant pharmacotherapy has a positive impact on the academic performance of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study conducted by the University of New Brunswick investigated the effects of this treatment on academic outcomes among students in grades K-12. The study found that students with ADHD who received long-acting stimulant treatment showed significant improvements in report card scores, standardized assessment exam performance, and school attendance compared to their untreated peers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study examined the impact of long-acting stimulant pharmacotherapy on academic outcomes among 15,544 students with ADHD in grades K-12.
  • Students with ADHD who received long-acting stimulant treatment showed significant improvements in report card scores, with a score estimate of -4.93 compared to -6.19 for untreated students.
  • Long-acting stimulant treatment was also associated with improved provincial assessment exam scores, with a percentile rank estimate of -9.20 compared to -11.50 for untreated students.
  • The treatment reduced absences among grades K-12, with an absence rate estimate of -3.33 compared to 7.96 for untreated students.
  • Chandy Somayaji and colleagues from the University of New Brunswick found that long-acting stimulant treatment increased the likelihood of graduation and transition to post-secondary education.
  • The study controlled for various confounding factors and found that long-acting stimulant treatment had a significant positive impact on academic outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 15,544 students with ADHD received long-acting stimulant treatment.
  • 204,681 students without ADHD served as a control group.
  • 27,880 students with ADHD did not receive treatment.
  • The study examined report card scores, standardized assessment exam performance, school attendance, graduation rates, and transition to post-secondary education over a period of time.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Attention Disorders Study Results Reported from University of New Brunswick (Academic Outcomes in Primary and Secondary School Students Prescribed Long-Acting Stimulants for ADHD Management). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 304.
  • Academic Outcomes in Primary and Secondary School Students Prescribed Long-Acting Stimulants for ADHD Management. Journal of Attention Disorders, 2025:10870547251378169.
  • Sage Publications Inc. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA. (www.sagepub.com/jad.sagepub.com)