ArticleFrontiers in psychiatry2026
Effects of atomoxetine and methylphenidate on quality of life and self-esteem in adults with ADHD.
Article in Frontiers in psychiatry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Objective: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adulthood is a complex neuropsychiatric condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, often associated with emotional dysregulation, with a significant impact on global functioning, self-esteem, and quality of life. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of atomoxetine and methylphenidate on quality of life and self-esteem in adults diagnosed with ADHD. Methods: A naturalistic observational study was conducted on a sample of adults, divided into methylphenidate and atomoxetine treatment groups. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0) and after a mean period (T1) of 176.37 (± 173.83 SD) days using Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV) Quick Screen, Adult ADHD Quality of Life (AAQoL-29), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Global Assessment Functioning (GAF). Results: At T1, we showed a significant improvement in both groups in all dimensions: reduction of ADHD symptoms (BAARS total: p = 0.012), increase in overall quality of life (AAQoL-29 total: p < 0.001) and global functioning (GAF: p < 0.001), as well as an increase in self-esteem scores (RSES total: p = 0.0002). Methylphenidate proved more effective than atomoxetine in improving both quality of life (total AAQoL-29: p = 0.006) and self-esteem (total RSES: p = 0.031). Correlation analysis showed that symptom severity, assessed with the DIVA 5 test, was inversely proportional to levels of self-esteem (Spearman rho = -0.3269; p = 0.0131) and quality of life (Spearman rho = -0.3758; p = 0.0040) and that RSES and AAQoL-29 scores were positively correlated (Spearman rho = 0.6357; p = 0.0000). Conclusion: Our study confirms that pharmacological therapy in adult ADHD not only improves core symptoms but also promotes improvement in self-esteem and personal efficacy, essential components for the recovery of psychological and social well-being.
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