ADHD is one of the most common neuro-psychiatric disorders in children Methyl Phenidate is the most frequent medication prescribed for this disorder. Bupropion is suggested as an alternative medication for treatment.

This research aims to compare the efficacy and safety of Bupropion and Methyl Phenidate(Ritaline) in children with ADHD.

This research was a double blind clinical trial and was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical SciencesForty children with ADHD, aged 6 to 12, from consecutive referrals to child psychiatric clinic of Ebn-e-Sina hospital were selected and randomly divided into two categories,treatment with Methyl Phenidate and Bupropion. Evaluations were carried out based on ADHD Rating Scale (by teacher and parent) and Clinical Global Scale (by clinician) at the beginning of the study, 4 and 8 weeks through the study. Adverse effects were checked at 4 and 8 weeks time as well. Data were analyzed by SPSS11.5.

Methyl-phenidate and Bupropion were both significantly effective in reduction of ADHD symptoms of children based on parents and teachers ratings in 8 weeks treatment (P< 0.001). The therapeutic response, in parents’ views, was better in Methyl -phenidate group than Bupropion (p=0.014).

Results showed that Bupropion was an effective in ADHD treatment but its effect based on the parent's report was less than Methyl-phenidate.