Experience of concordance in Adults with ADHD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the Experiences of Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Achieving Successful Concordance with ADHD Medication
IRAS ID
154374
Contact name
Stephan Kirby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 19 days
Research summary
This is a phenomenological study aiming to explore and understand the experience and decision making processes of adults who became concordant with ADHD medication regimes after previously being non-concordant using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). IPA (Smith et al, 2009)can assist qualitative researchers to examine “how people make sense of their major life experiences” (Chenail, 2009, p1) and can be summarised as “the researcher trying to make sense of the participant trying to make sense of what is happening to them” (Smith et al, 2009, p3).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterised by core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. National guidance (NICE, 2008) recommended the identification and treatment of ADHD in adults in 2008 for previously, diagnosis and treatment had mainly been confined to children and young people (Newlove-Delgado & Stein, 2012).
ADHD is a highly treatable disorder with recognised evidence-based, cost-effective medications available for use (Barkley et al 2008)and non-concordance with ADHD medications can result in poor personal, familial and societal outcomes (Goodman, 2007).
Medication has been shown as effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous randomised controlled trials (NICE, 2008). Despite the development of services in some areas of the United Kingdom there is likely to be a large number of adults with ADHD who may experience impairing symptoms and could benefit from treatment but are not receiving or taking it (Newlove-Delgado & Stein, 2012, p210)and the reasons for this require further exploration.
This is a qualitative research study using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews to collect data pertaining to adults’ lived experiences of concordance with prescribed medication. The aim is to learn more about their experiences in order to increase the knowledge base in this practice area.
Gatekeepers will have the inclusion/exclusion criteria and will assess mental capacity of potential participants.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1325
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion