A major new mega–meta-analysis published in the BMJ on 27 November 2025—“Benefits and harms of ADHD interventions: umbrella review and platform for shared decision making”—offers the most comprehensive evaluation to date of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD.
Led by Dr Corentin J. Gosling (France) with contributions from researchers across Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the USA, the review synthesises global evidence up to 19 January 2025. While the full paper is available on the BMJ website: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-085875 here we highlight the key findings relevant to Adult ADHD—particularly around efficacy and tolerability.
Methylphenidate, Amphetamines, Atomoxetine, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) were considered effective treatments for patients with ADHD with high to medium level of quality of research. Some non-pharmacological treatments, although showed their usefulness in adult ADHD too, but their research quality was considered very low.
All the drug treatments had similar tolerability.
Some of the drugs were found to be effective for treating emotional dysregulations (such as atomoxetine) and executive dysfunctions ( Methylphenidate).
Similar to the efficacy in treating ADHD symptoms, non-pharmacological treatments in improving cognitive function although showed promising results but their study quality was very low.
How We Support Patients at Oxford Brain and Mind
At Oxford Brain and Mind, our psychiatrists stay at the forefront of ADHD research to support patients in navigating the often complex decisions surrounding treatment options. This new BMJ analysis reinforces the importance of personalised, evidence-informed care.
It is important to consider that the review presented findings at the group level, individual responses to the ADHD treatment could vary.
If you or a loved one is living with ADHD, we’re here to guide you through the latest evidence and help you choose the most appropriate and effective treatment path.
