Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an update on medication adherence and persistence in children, adolescents
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Insights
Treatment adherence in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is complex, with rates varying widely. Factors like medication type and family support significantly impact adherence, necessitating standardized measurement approaches for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychiatry
- Pharmacological Adherence Research
Background:
- Suboptimal treatment adherence hinders patient outcomes across chronic conditions.
- Pediatric populations, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), present unique adherence challenges.
- Non-adherence rates in ADHD studies range significantly, from 15% to 87%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review factors influencing treatment adherence and persistence in pediatric ADHD.
- To highlight the complexities and variability in ADHD adherence research.
- To underscore the need for standardized definitions and measurement in adherence studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining adherence and persistence in pediatric ADHD.
- Analysis of factors associated with both increased and decreased adherence/persistence.
- Synthesis of findings to identify common themes and challenges.
Main Results:
- Adherence is positively influenced by long-acting formulations, younger age, Caucasian background, family structure, and treated comorbidities.
- Non-adherence is associated with multiple daily doses, ADHD family history, adverse effects, stigma, and perceived treatment inefficacy.
- Significant variability in reported non-adherence rates indicates complex influencing factors.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to ADHD treatment is multifactorial, influenced by patient, family, and treatment characteristics.
- Current research demonstrates a wide range of adherence rates, reflecting diverse methodologies.
- Standardized definitions and measurement tools are crucial for advancing ADHD adherence research and improving clinical outcomes.
Abstract:
Suboptimal adherence to treatment regimens is a major obstacle to treatment efficacy and positive outcomes for patients. While poor adherence is common across a variety of chronic conditions, an area which presents unique challenges to clinicians and researchers is non-adherence among pediatric populations. These challenges are well illustrated by the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a pervasive pediatric psychiatric condition. The average rates of non-adherence in children and adults ranged between 15 and 87%. Factors predicting increased adherence/persistence included the use of long-acting formulations, younger age, Caucasian background, family structure and the presence and treatment of comorbidities. Decreased adherence/persistence were predicted by multiple daily dosing, family history of ADHD, experiences of adverse effects, stigma and treatment inefficacy. The broad range of non-adherence rates identified reflects the complexities of adherence research in ADHD, and highlights the need for better standardization of adherence/persistence definitions and measurement approaches.
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