In Their Own words: Adolescent Views on ADHD and Their Evolving Role Managing Medication
In “In Their Own words: Adolescent Views on ADHD and Their Evolving Role Managing Medication” researchers sought to increase knowledge of the extent to which adolescents with ADHD are involved with medication decisions. Adolescents with ADHD who were between the ages of 13 and 18 and receiving care at one of the 10 participating community practices were eligible to participate. A total of 44 teens participated in semi-structured focus group discussions which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Discussion centered on 4 major themes:
- What ADHD meant to them
- The role ADHD and medication played in their lives
- Their involvement in discussions and decision-making regarding medication
- Full autonomy over medication decision-making
Based on these discussions, researchers came to the conclusion that adolescents assumed increased responsibility for managing medication as they matured. Many teens described their current involvement in decision-making with their parents and doctors as inadequate.
Publications Information
Brinkman WB, Sherman SN, Zmitrovich AR, et al. In Their Own Words: Adolescent Views on ADHD and Their Evolving Role Managing Medication. Academic Pediatrics. 2012 Jan-Feb;12(1):53-61.
