Methylphenidate extended-release oral suspension for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a practical guide for pharmacists

Adult Patient Preferences for Long-Acting ADHD Treatments: A Discrete Choice Experiment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires a multifaceted approach including psychosocial interventions and pharmacological treatment. This study evaluates preferences for specific attributes associated with different long-acting stimulant treatment among US adults with ADHD.

METHODS

Patients completed an online, cross-sectional survey, incorporating a discrete choice experiment to assess preferences for attributes.

RESULTS

Analyses included 200 adults with ADHD (mean age 33.0 years; 60% self-reporting moderate severity); the mean (SD) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-v1.1 score was 45.9 (12.4). Overall, patients valued speed of onset most and risk of rebound least. Three population groups with distinct preferences were identified: side effect-driven (n=69, 35%), quick onset-driven (n=47, 24%) and quick onset and long duration-driven (n=84, 42%).

CONCLUSION

This study shows differences in how adults with ADHD value and assess benefit-risk trade-offs when considering the desired attributes of stimulant treatments, highlighting the importance of patient-physician shared decision-making to optimize the desired benefits of individualized treatment.

Effect of Demographic Factors on Quality of Life in Children with ADHD under Atomoxetine Treatment: 1-Year Follow-up

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder in children and adolescents. Symptoms of ADHD and its treatment can impact an individual's quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of atomoxetine treatment, demographic characteristics, and seasonal variation on QoL in children with a recent diagnosis of ADHD and their parents. The present study included a cohort of 200 children diagnosed with ADHD. In addition to the recruited children, one of their parents was included in the study. ADHD symptoms were assessed using Conners' Parent Rating Scale. QoL of the participants was assessed with the PedsQL, while parents' QoL was evaluated using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref). There was significant improvement in pediatric and parental QoL after treatment with atomoxetine. Significant factors related to better QoL in the participants included spring season, above average Conner's score, male sex, and rural residence. However, after using multivariate regression analysis, only patients' sex and Conner's score were significant predictors of pediatric QoL at the end of treatment with atomoxetine. Medical treatment significantly improved QoL in children with ADHD and their parents. Level of improvement was affected by patients' sex and ADHD severity.