Experiences of parents with children taking medication for ADHD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are the experiences and perceptions of parents with children taking medication for the management of ADHD symptoms in a community setting?
IRAS ID
269856
Contact name
Stanley Mutsatsa
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City, University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Not applicable , Not applicable
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, days
Research summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE 2018) define ADHD as a mental health disorder that takes many forms and is characterised by the core symptoms of inattention , restlessness and unpredictability (NICE 2018). Children meeting criteria for ADHD are more likely to have trouble keeping attention on tasks, are reported to be constantly fidgeting and not able to sit still for long periods of time and being disruptive in class. Symptoms are distributed throughout the population and vary in severity with only individuals with at least a moderate degree of impairment in multiple settings meeting criteria for a diagnosis (NICE 2018).
Current treatment of ADHD involves multiple components such as medication, behavioural and educational interventions (NICE 2018). Medication is only the first line of treatment for school- aged children and young people with ADHD who have severe symptoms and impairment and the second line for children with a moderate impairment (NICE, 2018). Worldwide, evidence such as the study by Wilson et al (2006) showed that ADHD medications such as mentally stimulating substances are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms as well as enhance school functioning. Despite the effectiveness of these medications, there is little evidence that sought to examine parental views on ADHD medication, inappropriate behaviour and school performance (Vest 2017). This study seeks to bridge this gap.
A qualitative approach will be adopted to meet the aims of the research study. More specifically, the study will use semi -structured interviews to explore the experiences and perceptions of parents with children taking medication for the management of ADHD symptoms. The sample will consist of eight parents with children diagnosed with ADHD and taking stimulants.
The interview will last approximately one hour. Participants will be asked six questions. Following the interview the date gathered will be analysed using qualitative methods of analysis. The researcher will use thematic analysis to analyse the data and put forward themes. Thematic Analysis is a method for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns or themes within data which organises and describes data in rich detail (Braun and Clarke, 2006).REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1749
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion