Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
More than meets the eye: A Foucauldian perspective on treating ADHD with medicine
Louise C Druedahl1, Sofia Kälvemark Sporrong1
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background:
Decision-making for using medicine treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is complex.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to investigate decision-making about ADHD medicine and its use among young adults with ADHD by exploring and analysing their beliefs, experiences and behaviours from a Foucauldian perspective.
Methods:
Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 7 participants, and 4 participated in a focus group; 1 took part in both. The interviewees were aged 22-29. Data were collected in Denmark from March to August 2016.
Results:
Deductive analysis identified the sociological, bio-psychosocial and biomedical discourses as falsified, present and dominant, respectively. In a Foucauldian perspective, ADHD medicine use seems to be a disciplinary act intended to make the individual change his/her 'undesirable' ADHD behaviour. Interviewees' descriptions show power as operating internally in the form of self-monitoring in an attempt at normalisation, as well as externally through society's subjectification of them as young adults with ADHD. Although resistance towards using medicine as ADHD treatment existed, it was sparse.
Conclusions:
The findings show that what may appear to be the choice of an individual on the surface can also be seen as a complex interaction of networks of power. Further, that medicine adherence also can appear to be disciplinary. Pharmacists can use these findings to improve how advice-giving about ADHD medicine may be perceived by young adults with ADHD.
More Related Videos
10:02Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
Published on: March 12, 2020
13:09Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...