Stimulant medications: a trade-off? The lived experience of adolescents with ADHD
Julie B Meaux1, Carla Hester, Billy Smith
1University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, USA. juliem@uca.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to gain information and insight about prescription stimulant medication use among children and adolescents with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across developmental stages.
Design And Methods:
Investigators conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 15 college students with ADHD. Follow-up interviews confirmed and validated information obtained during initial interviews.
Results:
Qualitative data analysis resulted in three global categories related to the use of prescription stimulant medication from childhood to late adolescence: (a) the early years, (b) "the trade-off," and (c) stimulant medications in college.
Practice Implications:
Increased education about prescription stimulant medications and closer management is needed to reduce side effects and minimize the risks of misuse.
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