Improving Medication Adherence in ADHD Adolescents

Improving Medication Adherence in ADHD Adolescents

Investigates whether a family-based intervention for adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will improve adherence to prescribed medication regimen in adolescents with history of medication nonadherence.

We will evaluate a dual component family-based intervention for adolescents with ADHD to improve medication adherence (Supporting Teen Adherence and Responsibility; STAR). STAR pairs Motivational Interviewing with parent-teen behavioral contracting. In the proposed study, adolescents with ADHD and a history of chronic nonadherence to their ADHD medication will be randomly assigned to medication alone (medication as usual: MAU) or MAU+STAR. They will be treated for 6 months with a 12 month maintenance period and 12 month followup. All interventions will occur at the offices of participants primary care physicians.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of ADHD; currently prescribed an FDA-approved medication for ADHD, history of medication nonadherence (taking less than 60% of prescribed doses); full scale Intelligence Quotient >80, no current language delay and/or had no language delays before age 3.

Exclusion Criteria:

• active medical conditions that could be worsened by stimulants (seizures, arrhythmias, hypertension) unless patient has clearance from primary specialist taking care of existing condition, pregnancy, Bipolar Disorder, schizophrenia, and/or other psychotic disorders, and diagnosis of current substance abuse or dependence (except nicotine), current psychotropic medication for conditions other than ADHD.