Hi,
According to Wikipedia, Methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin) was patented in 1954.
But it wasn't until several years after the compound's patent expired in 1967 that Ritalin- the brand-name version of methylphenidate- was manufactured by Ciba for the use in treating ADHD in children. Name brand Ritalin is now manufactured by Novartis.
Read more about ADHD medications HERE.
Terry