Trust, but verify. The errors and misinterpretations in the Cochrane analysis by O. J. Storebo and colleagues on the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate for the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD

Ref ID	267
First Author	T. Banaschewski
Journal	ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER-UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE
Year Of Publishing	2016
URL	https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/pdf/10.1024/1422-4917/a000433
Keywords	Cochrane Pharmacological Error Paediatrics Heterogeneity Risk of bias
Problem(s)	Weaknesses identified in some Cochrane reviews Flawed risk of bias undertaken Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity Errors in effect estimate calculations or data synthesis Failure to define clinically meaningful outcomes
Number of systematic reviews included	1
Summary of Findings	The authors highlight that within a Cochrane systematic review on the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate for the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD, the study selection was flawed and undertaken without sufficient scientific justification. It is concluded that due to flaw in meta-analysis and the heterogenous trial designs, the effect sizes were calculated as too small and, moreover, were inadmissibly clinically interpreted. The methodology of the assessment of bias and quality is not objective and cannot be substantiated by the data. The conclusion of the authors is stated to be grossly misleading.
Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results?	Yes
Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study?	No