The Effectiveness of Short- and Long-Acting Stimulant Medications for Adolescents With ADHD in a Naturalistic Secondary School Setting

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Pelham ◽  
Bradley H. Smith ◽  
Steven W. Evans ◽  
Oscar Bukstein ◽  
Elizabeth M. Gnagy ◽  
...  

Objective: Stimulant medication is an efficacious and first-line approach to treating ADHD in adolescence. However, less is known about the effectiveness of this approach as a treatment in real-world settings. The complicated nature of the secondary school environment and documented adolescent nonadherence with stimulant medication may undermine the exportability of this approach. Method: This study investigates stimulant medication effectiveness and adherence in a sample of adolescents with ADHD who were observed in their natural secondary school environment. Results: Results indicated that the effect of stimulant medication on adolescent functioning is smaller in naturalistic settings than in previous analogue studies. Long-acting pemoline produced greater adherence than the short-acting methylphenidate (MPH), but parents and adolescents preferred the short-acting MPH. Conclusions: Overall, adolescents reported very low satisfaction with stimulant medication. Findings are discussed.

2021 ◽  
pp. 156-180
Author(s):  
Mark Selikowitz

There are many different medications used for ADHD, and these should only be prescribed by a medical specialist experienced in this field. Many children with ADHD do not need to take their medication every day of the week. The availability of long-acting medication means that most children with ADHD do not need to take medication at school. This chapter presents a detailed guide to specific medicines for ADHD, including short-acting stimulant medicines (Ritalin, Focalin, dexamphetamine, and Adderall IR), long-acting stimulant medications (Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR, Daytrana, Adderall XR, Metadate CD, and Vyvanse), and non-stimulant medications (imipramine [Tofranil], Clonidine, guanfacine [Intuniv], and atomoxetine [Strattera]).


2021 ◽  
pp. 136548022110022
Author(s):  
Michael Petrasek ◽  
Anthony James ◽  
Amity Noltemeyer ◽  
Jennifer Green ◽  
Katelyn Palmer

A motivating and engaging school environment has been associated with several positive student outcomes. Consequently, schools have an opportunity and responsibility to promote a culture that supports students in developing and maintaining their motivation, engagement, and self-improvement. Efforts to promote such a culture can be embedded within a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. In this paper, we begin by describing motivation and engagement, and discussing the relevance of these concepts in schools. Next, we introduce the traditional PBIS framework, highlighting research and core features. Third, we propose how PBIS can be enhanced by incorporating a focus on relationships, engagement, and motivation in the school setting. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for school teams seeking to implement this approach.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond Bernard Kihumuro ◽  
David Jolly Muganzi ◽  
Elton George Wandira ◽  
Racheal Alinaiswe ◽  
Jovitah Joselyne Nanyunja ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive adolescents in secondary school has increased over the years. Little is known on how the students cope to the pressures and demands of their academic and health lives in the boarding secondary schools. This study explored the factors surrounding their anti-retroviral therapy adherence as well as their experiences. Methods We did a qualitative study that employed in-depth interviews amongst purposively selected 19 HIV positive adolescent students in boarding secondary school and seven key informants. Key informants were members of boarding secondary school staff directly taking care of the adolescents living with human immune virus and had spent at least two academic terms in that school. The study participants were recruited from four health facilities in Bushenyi district, southwestern Uganda, and key informants from five boarding secondary schools in Bushenyi. These were engaged in in-depth interviews using an interview guide. Data was transcribed, coded and the content analyzed thematically. Results Adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus in boarding secondary school face challenges similar to adolescents outside boarding school settings. However, some challenges are unique to them. Students faced numerous barriers which made it difficult to adhere to their medication. Stigmatization in its different forms was also a major challenge amongst students. Willingness disclosure of serostatus was beneficial to the students since it guaranteed support while at school; facilitating adherence and better living. However, students were uneasy to disclose their status. Some students adopted negative coping mechanisms such as telling lies, escaping from school, and class to access medication. Conclusions Adolescents in boarding secondary schools face similar challenges as compared to their counterparts with some being unique to them. Few school mechanisms help these students to cope while at school. Limited disclosure has proven useful but some adolescents have opted not to disclose their status and hence used negative coping mechanisms. These challenges need to be addressed and a safe environment to encourage limited disclosure should be made.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 592-616
Author(s):  
David R. Pillow ◽  
Meghan A. Crabtree ◽  
Willie J. Hale ◽  
Sally Kordab ◽  
Betsy Hoza

Introduction: Stimulant medication is effective in treating Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder, and by removing barriers to success, may enhance perceptions of authenticity (i.e., feeling like one's true, core, autonomous self) among those receiving medication. In contrast, it is also possible that stimulant medications undermine perceptions of authenticity. Methods: To examine these two possibilities, 64 undergraduate students with a history of ADHD and medication usage wrote a narrative about a time when they felt either: least authentic while taking medication, most authentic while taking medication, least authentic while unmedicated, or most authentic while unmedicated. Participants then completed retrospective assessments concerning that experience. Results: Supporting the medication enhancement possibility, participants reported greater need satisfaction and more positive mood states when recalling states in which they were most like their true selves on medication than when off—especially when reporting on their academic selves. No differences were found on a state measure of prescriptive authenticity. Discussion: Results are discussed with respect to linkages to the literature on attributions and stimulant medications. Limitations and future research design possibilities are discussed as more research is needed regarding managing stimulant medication and authentic identities.


2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Rickwood

AbstractFor young people still at school, the school setting is vital to their mental health and wellbeing. Not only does the school environment have a direct and indirect impact on mental health, it provides an opportunistic setting in which to identify and respond to emerging mental health problems. To do this effectively, schools and school staff must work in collaboration with the young people themselves, their families, and other support services within the community, particularly primary health care services, including general practice. The importance of developing effective partnerships and care pathways between schools and the primary health care sector is being increasingly acknowledged, and initiatives such as MindMatters Plus GP have advanced our understanding in this area.


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