Medication-taking experiences in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pharmacotherapy is effective but challenging to implement.
• Patient and caregiver perspectives on medication are crucial for understanding treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize findings on medication-taking experiences in ADHD.
• To guide clinicians in shared decision-making for ADHD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, CINAHL).
• Quality assessment using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.
• Meta-ethnographic synthesis of 31 included articles.

Main Results:

• Studies included caregivers, pediatric, and adult patients across seven countries.
• Key constructs: accepting ADHD, medication concerns, effects, external influences, self-management.
• Medication decisions evolve towards autonomy and self-management, involving weighing benefits and harms.

Conclusions:

• Offers comprehensive insight into ADHD medication experiences.
• Highlights shifting decision-making and external influences.
• Enables holistic conversations for effective shared decision-making in primary care and mental health settings.