Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Journal

Medicina

PMID

41696840

Abstract

Introduction: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 5 to 8% of youth and 2.5 to 4% of adults. Pharmacological treatments are among the most effective when treating ADHD, yet adherence to medication is still sub-optimal. We reviewed the literature on clinical and socio demographic factors that may influence adherence and compared it to our clinical data.

Methods: We conducted a targeted literature review on factors associated with ADHD medication adherence. These factors were compared within our sample of patients aged 3-18 with ADHD at the Child and Adolescent Mood Disorders Program (ChAMP) at (UT Health) - Houston. We assessed relations between measurement-based care (MBC) and socio demographic factors.

Results: We found factors associated with adherence rates included patient age, level of parental involvement, psychiatric comorbidities, familial psychiatric history, and socioeconomic status. ADHD medication adherence improved and symptom severity decreased over 24 months. Each additional year in age, multiple siblings, and =1 parent receiving psychiatric treatment were associated with greater symptom severity.

Discussion: Results suggest that MBC is a useful method for reducing overall ADHD severity and improving medication adherence in children and adolescents. Additionally, MBC programs should consider screening for and addressing family psychiatric history and household structure as these relevant factors affect ADHD medication adherence.

Keywords

Humans, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Adolescent, Child, Male, Female, Child, Preschool, Treatment Outcome, Medication Adherence, Socioeconomic Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Age Factors, ADHD, MBC, adherence, children and adolescents, medication

Published Open-Access

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