title: Assent as an ethical imperative in the treatment of ADHD.
abstract: The American Academy of Paediatrics endorses obtaining assent when prescribing medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in older children whenever possible. Studies indicate the concept of assent may not be well understood by clinicians, possibly effecting effective and widespread implementation. We argue that though the concept of assent continues to evolve, it is critical in the context of patient-centred care, shared decision-making and in supporting minors' transition to adulthood. Based on the principle of respect for young persons, we argue that obtaining assent is an ethical imperative when prescribing medication for ADHD. We highlight the instrumental benefits of obtaining assent in the paediatric clinical encounter when prescribing medications for treatment of ADHD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Learning Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Anson J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Koshy
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Dominic A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Sisti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D032882:Comprehension; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics*; D033242:Minors; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000941:ethics*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D060305:Transition to Adult Care / Q000941:ethics; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants
keywords: Children; Decision-making; Informed Consent; Paediatrics