Barriers to prescribing methylphenidate for adults with ADHD: A qualitative study
Diane Lafarge1, Joël Charbit2, Antoine Lamer3
1Inserm UMR-S1172 - Lille Neuroscience and Cognition -, CHU Lille, Pharmacology department, université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France.
Therapie
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Psychiatrists face barriers prescribing methylphenidate for adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including knowledge gaps and time constraints. Improving training and guidelines can enhance ADHD care access.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 2.5% of adults.
- Methylphenidate is the primary pharmacological treatment for adult ADHD in France.
- Specialist prescription is required, yet ADHD medication use by psychiatrists is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the barriers psychiatrists encounter when prescribing methylphenidate for adult ADHD.
- To identify factors limiting access to ADHD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semistructured individual interviews.
- Conducted with psychiatrists in the Hauts-de-France region, France.
- Thematic analysis of transcribed interview data.
Main Results:
- Lack of knowledge regarding ADHD diagnosis and management.
- Uncertainty with differential diagnoses and comorbidities (psychiatric, substance use).
- Time-intensive nature of ADHD diagnosis and management, alongside other logistical issues.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced professional training on adult ADHD is crucial.
- Development of adult-specific prescribing guidelines is needed.
- Structuring the care pathway can improve access to methylphenidate for ADHD.
Keywords:
AdultAdulteAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorderMethylphenidateMéthylphénidatePsychiatresPsychiatristsQualitative researchTrouble déficit de l’attention - hyperactivitéÉtude qualitativeMore Related Videos
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