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Stimulant Medications: A Trade‐off? The Lived Experience of Adolescents With ADHD
Author(s) -
Meaux Julie B.,
Hester Carla,
Smith Billy,
Shoptaw Amy
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2006.00063.x
Subject(s) - stimulant , medical prescription , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , qualitative research , psychiatry , psychology , medicine , methylphenidate , clinical psychology , nursing , social science , sociology
PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to gain information and insight about prescription stimulant medication use among children and adolescents with attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across developmental stages.DESIGN AND METHODS. Investigators conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 15 college students with ADHD. Follow‐up interviews confirmed and validated information obtained during initial interviews.RESULTS. Qualitative data analysis resulted in three global categories related to the use of prescription stimulant medication from childhood to late adolescence: (a) the early years, (b) “the trade‐off,” and (c) stimulant medications in college.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Increased education about prescription stimulant medications and closer management is needed to reduce side effects and minimize the risks of misuse.