Korean J Clin Pharm.  2018 Sep;28(3):216-223. 10.24304/kjcp.2018.28.3.216.

Patterns and Persistence of Pharmacotherapy for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in South Korea

• Lee KE
• Je NK

• KMID: 2438547
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24304/kjcp.2018.28.3.216

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess treatment persistence in Korean children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the factors influencing their adherence to ADHD pharmacotherapy.
METHODS
The study included patients between 6 and 18 years of age with ADHD who were taking various formulations of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on June 1, 2014. Patients were dichotomized as "persistent" or "non-persistent", depending on whether they continued ADHD therapy for 6 months (therapy persistence). We also investigated if the patients were taking the same medication(s) as before and also classified the patients as "medication persistent" or "non-persistent". Patient' characteristics were correlated with therapy persistence and medication persistence. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess potential risk factors for treatment persistence.
RESULTS
Overall, 3,317 patients were included in the analysis. A majority of patients were taking stimulants (82.0%), 16.2% were taking non-stimulants and 1.8% were taking a combination therapy of stimulants and non-stimulants. After 6 months, 2,290 patients (69.0%) continued to take medication for ADHD with 1,953 patients taking the same medication(s) as 6 months previously. Common positive factors for therapy persistence and medication persistence were identified as younger age, retardation, and developmental delay, and long-acting formulations of methylphenidate as either monotherapy or in a combination therapy may be used.
CONCLUSION
ADHD medications were proven to improve academic performance and social skills of children. Collaboration between patients, parents, school staffs, and prescribers is required to improve the persistent use of ADHD medications.

Keyword

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; therapy-persistence; medication-persistence; methylphenidate; atomoxetine

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
Child*
Cooperative Behavior
Drug Therapy*
Humans
Korea*
Logistic Models
Medication Adherence
Methylphenidate
Parents
Risk Factors
Social Skills
Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
Methylphenidate