Using stimulant medication for children with ADHD: what do parents say? A brief report.

Background: Long-term adherence to stimulant treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is frequently poor. Since parents are the key decision makers regarding their child's health care, their thoughts regarding medication use are crucial to whether children take prescribed stimulants. To develop an understanding of what parents think about using stimulants to treat their children's ADHD symptoms we consulted groups of parents about their experiences.

Methods: Using qualitative methods informed by phenomenology, three focus groups of parents were asked to describe their experiences parenting a child with ADHD and using stimulant medications for treatment. Participants were 17 mothers and fathers of 14 children with ADHD, ages 7-14 years, who had received detailed diagnostic assessments and had used stimulants. Focus group dialogue was recorded and transcribed. Using established methods of data analysis, themes were identified and explored.

Results: Accepting that one's child has ADHD and needs treatment is a difficult and lengthy process, often accompanied by confusion and self-doubt. Parents find the choice to use stimulant treatment particularly challenging given the conflicting opinions they hear from family, friends and professionals.

Conclusions: Universally, parents want to do what is best for their child. Adverse effects, concerns about stigmatization, and the child's dislike of taking pills, all contribute to parents' decisions to discontinue medication even when the child shows symptomatic benefit.