If a person started taking ritalin (methylphenidate) as a child, will they have to take it forever?

Ritalin (methylphenidate): Not necessarily. This is determined by progress and periodic re-evaluation.

Not necessarily: About 50% of children will outgrow symptoms of ADHD. Another large group will learn strategies for managing the symptoms and make choices about work and living settings. About 25% will continue to be symptomatic, mostly the inattention, organizational problems and distractibility. Hyperactivity usually resolves in late adolescence and early adulthood.