Abstract
Objective
Up to 90% of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remain
functionally impaired, yet less than half continue to take medication. The objective
of this study was to gain a detailed understanding of how adolescents with ADHD contribute
to medication treatment decisions.
Methods
Forty-four adolescents with ADHD aged 13 to 18 years old participated in 1 of 7 focus
groups. An experienced facilitator used a semi-structured focus group guide to prompt
discussion which was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We coded transcripts
using an inductive approach. Thematic saturation was reached after the seventh focus
group.
Results
Adolescents assumed increased responsibility for managing medication as they matured
and developed insight into the functional impact of ADHD and medication on their lives.
Insights were often formed by contrasting time spent on and off medication. ADHD impacted
functioning in the following domains: academics, social interactions and relationships,
creativity, and driving skills. Select domains were relevant for some adolescents
but not others. Adolescents described different roles that they played in managing
medication as well as strategies they used to exert autonomy over medication use.
Side effects were common and contributed to negative feelings toward medication. Some
adolescents had begun to use medication selectively. Many expressed uncertainty about
future use of medication.
Conclusions
Adolescents assume an increasing role in managing medication for ADHD. Well-structured
and coordinated trials stopping medication and measuring outcomes relevant to adolescents,
parents, teachers, doctors, and/or other stakeholders may help ensure a developmentally
appropriate transition from family to self-management of ADHD.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: December 02, 2011
Accepted:
October 14,
2011
Received:
June 4,
2011
Footnotes
None of the authors has a conflict of interest to report. Eli Lilly and Company had no role in design, conduct, data analysis/interpretation, or manuscript preparation. The sponsor reviewed and approved the manuscript for submission without revision.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
