Second, data also show benefits of psychostimulant medications. For example, methylphenidate reduces aggression in youth with ADHD or with conduct disorder, even in the absence of ADHD.73 In general, psychostimulants are preferable to antipsychotic agents owing to fewer adverse effects. Nevertheless, stimulants can exacerbate anxiety and cause agitation. Moreover, as with antipsychotic agents, evidence of a benefit comes from short-term efficacy studies.
