Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes difficulties with hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Treatment of ADHD includes both medication and non-pharmacological options. Knowledge of treatment preferences by young adults with ADHD is sparse. The objective of this study was to explore the beliefs and experiences of young adults with ADHD related to their medication treatment decisions. Data were collected in Denmark in 2016 through a focus group and individual in-depth interviews. Conventional content analysis was used. Ten young adults with ADHD (22-to 29-year-old) participated. Three major themes were identified: (1) the patient’s right to choose concerning ADHD medicine; (2) the patient’s decision of whether or not to treat ADHD with medication; and (3) factors affecting the patient’s decision on whether to take ADHD medication or not. The latter theme contained 15 factors, which were distributed across three levels: individual, between-individuals, and societal. The dominant factors were increasing quality of life and improving oneself e.g., improving social skills. For counselling at the pharmacy and by prescribers, it is important to be aware of the different factors that affect young adult patients’ decisions on whether to take ADHD medication or not. This knowledge will aid to understand reasons for non-adherence and to determine appropriate treatment for the individual patient.
Highlights
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention [1]
The inclusion criteria were being a young adult aged 18–29 years, being a resident of Denmark being diagnosed with ADHD, and having been prescribed ADHD medication
The main findings of this study are that these young adults with ADHD felt that they had a choice to make regarding treating ADHD with medication
Summary
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention [1]. In Denmark, ADHD is currently the most common psychiatric diagnosis among children and adolescents [3], and there is an increase in numbers of adults diagnosed [4]. In the period 2001–2011 the number of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD rose from about 1000 to about 8000, and correspondingly for adults from almost none to about 3000 [4]. A diagnosis defines, predicts, and validates the experienced reality of the affected individual [5]. Psychiatric illnesses characterise deviances in behaviour relative to ‘normal’ behaviour [6], and the diagnosis of ADHD relates to identity and self-image [7]. The cultural image of ADHD is important for adolescents with regard to acceptance of the diagnosis [7].
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