Although most of the research on ADHD has focused on children, symptoms of the disorder as well as associated problems often persist into adulthood (Wilens et al., 2002). Individuals with adult ADHD often manifest other psychiatric disorders and symptoms, manifest higher rates of sociopathy, and have increased difficulties with substance abuse. They also tend to have more vocational and relationship problems. Pharmacologic treatment of ADHD can help in the amelioration of the symptoms of ADHD as well as the associated difficulties (Spencer, 2004). Until recently, stimulant medications have formed the mainstay of treatment of the disorder. However there are now several non-stimulant agents available that have widened the therapeutic options for the clinician (Pliszka, 2003).

Bupropion has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ADHD in children as well as adults. Wilens and colleagues (2001) demonstrated bupropion SR up to 200 mg BID was effective in adult ADHD. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the once daily bupropion XL formulation in adult ADHD. 162 subjects aged 18 to 60 were included in an 8-week double blind placebo controlled study. Bupropion XL, up to 450 mg/day, was significantly more efficacious compared to placebo starting at week 2. The primary outcome measure was a reduction of ? 30% on the observer-rated ADHD Rating Scale. The gains persisted throughout the 8 weeks of the study. At the endpoint of the study, the self-report scores on the Connors Rating Scale indicated that the positive clinical effect was sustained throughout the day as compared to placebo. The medication discontinuation rate due to adverse effects was low at 5%. There were no significant differences in adverse effects between placebo and drug.

This study therefore extends the research demonstrating the effectiveness of this agent in adult ADHD. The once daily XL formulation increases the ease of administration of the medication, especially in a population prone to attentional difficulties. This may lead to increase compliance with the regimen.