We searched PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, OpenGrey, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (UK and Ireland), ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (abstracts and international), and the WHO International Trials Registry Platform, including ClinicalTrials.gov, from the date of database inception to April 7, 2017, with no language restrictions. We used the search terms “adhd” OR “hkd” OR “addh” OR “hyperkine*” OR “attention deficit*” OR “hyper-activ*” OR “hyperactiv*” OR “overactive” OR “inattentive” OR “impulsiv*” combined with a list of ADHD medications (appendix pp 3–15). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and relevant drug manufacturers' websites, and references of previous systematic reviews and guidelines, were hand-searched for additional information. We also contacted study authors and drug manufacturers to gather unpublished information and data (appendix p 15).
