title: In their own words: adolescent views on ADHD and their evolving role managing medication.
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.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. bill.brinkman@cchmc.org
authors: William B
authors: WB
authors: Brinkman
authors: Susan N
authors: SN
authors: Sherman
authors: April R
authors: AR
authors: Zmitrovich
authors: Marty O
authors: MO
authors: Visscher
authors: Lori E
authors: LE
authors: Crosby
authors: Kieran J
authors: KJ
authors: Phelan
authors: Edward F
authors: EF
authors: Donovan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D010358:Patient Participation; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology*