Methylphenidate for prison inmates with ADHD: yes or no?

Summary In a double-blind randomised controlled trial by Asherson et al., involving prisoners with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the rates of response to osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS-methylphenidate) and placebo were very similar (~50%). I critically discuss this trial against other international literature, highlighting the key issues in the field in terms of clinical practice and research.