Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an update on medication adherence and persistence in children, adolescents and adults.
Suboptimal adherence to treatment regimens is a major obstacle to treatment efficacy and positive outcomes for patients. While poor adherence is common across a variety of chronic conditions, an area which presents unique challenges to clinicians and researchers is non-adherence among pediatric populations. These challenges are well illustrated by the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a pervasive pediatric psychiatric condition. The average rates of non-adherence in children and adults ranged between 15 and 87%. Factors predicting increased adherence/persistence included the use of long-acting formulations, younger age, Caucasian background, family structure and the presence and treatment of comorbidities. Decreased adherence/persistence were predicted by multiple daily dosing, family history of ADHD, experiences of adverse effects, stigma and treatment inefficacy. The broad range of non-adherence rates identified reflects the complexities of adherence research in ADHD, and highlights the need for better standardization of adherence/persistence definitions and measurement approaches.
Room N502, Pharmacy Building (A15), The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006 Australia.
Rana
R
Ahmed
Parisa
P
Aslani
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants