Enhancing ADHD medication adherence: challenges and opportunities
Alice Charach1, Rebeca Fernandez
1Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. alice.charach@sickkids.ca
Current Psychiatry Reports
|May 29, 2013
Summary
Medication effectively treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but many adolescents stop treatment due to concerns about side effects and differing family beliefs. Improving shared decision-making can optimize outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition with core symptoms of inattention, overactivity, and impulsiveness.
- Medication is the recommended first-line treatment for ADHD, yet many adolescents discontinue it.
- Decision-making for ADHD treatment involves parents for children and youth for older adolescents, with varying beliefs and attitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the reasons behind medication discontinuation in adolescents with ADHD.
- To investigate the role of beliefs, attitudes, and perceived burdens in ADHD treatment adherence.
- To identify strategies for improving shared decision-making in pediatric ADHD management.
Main Methods:
- Review of converging evidence on perceptions of ADHD medication.
- Analysis of factors contributing to treatment discontinuation among youth.
- Exploration of shared decision-making models in pediatric healthcare.
Main Results:
- Negative perceptions of medication burden and concerns about adverse effects are frequent reasons for discontinuation.
- Adverse effects are a common explanation for youth discontinuing ADHD medication.
- Disparities in understanding ADHD as a neurobiological condition impact treatment acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing ADHD treatment outcomes requires addressing negative perceptions and concerns about medication.
- Enhancing shared decision-making among practitioners, parents, and youth is crucial for improving adherence and effectiveness.
- Monitoring medication effectiveness, safety, and concurrent difficulties is essential for long-term management of ADHD.
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