Stimulant medications: a trade-off? The lived experience of adolescents with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to gain information and insight about prescription stimulant medication use among children and adolescents with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across developmental stages.


METHODS
Investigators conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 15 college students with ADHD. Follow-up interviews confirmed and validated information obtained during initial interviews.


RESULTS
Qualitative data analysis resulted in three global categories related to the use of prescription stimulant medication from childhood to late adolescence: (a) the early years, (b) "the trade-off," and (c) stimulant medications in college.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased education about prescription stimulant medications and closer management is needed to reduce side effects and minimize the risks of misuse.
Meaux
Julie B
JB
University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, USA. juliem@uca.edu
Hester
Carla
C
Smith
Billy
B
Shoptaw
Amy
A
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D001131:Arkansas; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010379:Peer Group; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012752:Shame; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants