Abstract
BackgroundAdherence to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication can prevent serious consequences, possibly with lifelong effects. Numerous factors have been observed that influence adherent behaviour, but the impact of personality traits has been inadequately explored. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between personality traits and adherence to ADHD medication, beliefs about the medication, and perceptions of ADHD.MethodAdolescents (n = 99) on ADHD medication were administered: Health-Relevant Personality Traits Five-Factor Inventory, Medication Adherence Report Scale, Beliefs about Medicines Specific and Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaires.ResultsThe personality trait Antagonism correlated with adherence behaviour (r = − 0.198, p = 0.005) and perceived personal control of ADHD (r = − 0.269, p = 0.007). Negative Affectivity correlated with beliefs regarding necessity (r = 0.319, p = 0.001), concerns (r = 0.344, p = 0.001), and experienced side effects of medication (r = 0.495, p = 0.001), alongside perceptions regarding duration (r = 0.272, p = 0.007), identity (r = 0.388, p < 0.001), being emotionally affected (r = 0.374, p < 0.01), personal control (r = − 0.287, p = 0.004) and concerns about ADHD (r = 0.465, p < 0.001). Impulsivity correlated with perceived consequences (r = − 0.226, p = 0.0255) and personal control of ADHD (r = − 0.379, p < 0.001). Hedonic Capacity correlated with concerns about medication (r = − 0.218, p = 0.0316) and perceived identification with ADHD (r = − 0.203, p = 0.045).ConclusionPersonality traits are related to adherence, beliefs about ADHD medicines and perceptions of ADHD. Antagonism is associated with adherence, especially intentional non-adherence, while Negative Affectivity correlates with numerous perceptions of ADHD and beliefs about medications. Personality assessments could be useful in the care and treatment of adolescents with ADHD.
Highlights
Adherence to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication can prevent serious consequences, possibly with lifelong effects
Personality traits are related to adherence, beliefs about ADHD medicines and perceptions of ADHD
Antagonism is associated with adherence, especially intentional non-adherence, while Negative Affectivity correlates with numerous perceptions of ADHD and beliefs about medications
Summary
Adherence to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication can prevent serious consequences, possibly with lifelong effects. One of the most accepted solutions for describing personality traits is the five-factor model (FFM) of personality, called the “Big Five” [6]. It consists of the following five domains: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness [6]. Both low Conscientiousness [7, 8] and high Neuroticism have been associated with poor health-related behaviour [4, 9, 10], such as low adherence [4, 5, 8, 11,12,13], while high Neuroticism has been associated with more frequent healthcare-seeking [9] and the perception of medicine side effects [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
