Evidence supporting the use of: Methylxanthine (unspecified)
For the health condition: Attention Deficit Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Methylxanthines, a class of compounds that includes caffeine and theophylline, have been investigated for their effects on attention and behavior. The primary methylxanthine of interest for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is caffeine. Scientific evidence indicates that caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant by antagonizing adenosine receptors, leading to increased alertness and wakefulness. While the mainstay pharmacological treatments for ADD/ADHD are stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, several studies have explored the use of caffeine as an alternative or adjunct therapy.

Clinical trials and observational studies have shown that caffeine can improve some measures of attention and cognitive performance in both adults and children. However, its effect size is generally smaller than that of prescription stimulants. Some small-scale studies and case reports from the 1970s and 1980s suggested potential benefits, but more recent systematic reviews conclude that while caffeine may have mild positive effects on attention and hyperactivity, the evidence is not robust enough to recommend its routine use for ADD/ADHD. Furthermore, caffeine’s side effects and its potential for tolerance and withdrawal limit its utility.

In summary, while there is scientific rationale and some evidence supporting the use of methylxanthines like caffeine for ADD/ADHD, the evidence is moderate and less compelling than that for standard stimulant medications. Thus, methylxanthines are not a first-line treatment but have scientific, if limited, validation for their use in this context.

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