Personalising ADHD Medication Treatment for Children and Young People

PErsonalising the Pharmacological TReatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects children's behaviour, attention and activity levels. Medicines can be an effective treatment for ADHD, but it is often difficult to know which medicine will work best for a particular child. As a result, some children may need to try several medicines before finding one that is effective and well tolerated. This study aims to test a new online decision-support system called PETRA. The system is designed to help children, parents or carers, and doctors make shared decisions about ADHD medication. The study will assess whether it is practical and acceptable to run a larger clinical trial comparing this personalised approach with standard care.

Inclusion Criteria:

Children/adolescents:

• Aged 6-17 years
• With a clinical diagnosis of ADHD by a clinical team (using either DSM-5-TR or ICD-11 criteria)
• On the waiting list for the pharmacological treatment of ADHD

Inclusion criteria for parent/carer:

• Parental responsibility
• Knowledge of child's medical history sufficient to complete assessments.
• Access to internet and email
• Able to give valid informed consent
• Sufficient understanding of English to allow access/understanding of the PETRA decision support system and study documentation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Based on the clinical judgement of the prescribing clinician, any current condition that would be a contraindication for ADHD medication, including abnormal cardiovascular examination (i.e., BP>95th percentile (for stimulants) and low blood pressure for guanfacine/clonidine as well as tachycardia ) or any conditions that should be treated before starting pharmacological treatment for ADHD such as alcohol/substance dependence, active psychosis, and active mania
• Immediate risk to self or others