Compositions and methods for treating attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity disorder attention deficit by methylphenidate.

A composition for topical application of methylphenidate comprising methylphenidate in that flexible, finite system, wherein the system comprises a natural or synthetic polymer capable of sticking to the site of topical application and wherein the methylphenidate is present in an amount of 20-180 mg methylphenidate 2 to 2 to 60 cm2 with a delivery rate of 0, 5 to 100 mg / 24 hours, more preferably 2, 5 to 20 mg / 24 hours, resulting in levels of methylphenidate blood not vary over 40% from the mean at steady state for delivery to the skin or mucosa of a patient in need thereof for a period of at least 10 hours, and wherein, if the polymer is an acrylic polymer, the composition comprises more than 5 wt% of acid functional monomers, based on the weight of the acrylic polymer.