Children's self-reports on perceived effects on taking stimulant medication for ADHD

This study investigates children's views on positive and negative effects of stimulant medication for ADHD and the children's willingness to stop taking medication.

Questionnaire data were collected from 79 children with ADHD and one of each child's parents.

Swedish children treated with stimulants generally experienced positive treatment effects in many areas, especially in the school setting, and a majority wished to continue taking their medication. There was, however, a small group of children who reported a relatively large number of negative effects. Few differences between parents and children were found for positive effects, although parents reported higher levels of negative effects. Results also indicate that the child's knowledge of why he or she is on stimulant medication and the parent's views of medication are important factors to take into consideration as they influence the child's willingness to continue his or her medication.