Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What Are Pharmacists' Roles and Associated Outcomes?

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 3;20(3):2754. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032754.

Abstract

Globally, the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing. The treatment for ADHD is multifaceted and requires long-term care and support. Pharmacists are capable of assisting patients and their caretakers in achieving desired outcomes. This work discusses and summarizes pharmacists' roles in ADHD care and their associated outcomes. Overall, pharmacists are positioned to educate on ADHD, optimize medications in a collaborative practice model, manage and monitor side effects, and provide remote and virtual pharmaceutical care. Pharmacists could directly contribute to ensuring medication safety and increasing awareness regarding the optimal use of ADHD medications. Patients with ADHD can benefit from pharmacist involvement in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, initial screening and referral, the provision of clinical consultation and feedback, and the improvement of self-management and self-awareness of the illness. Pharmacists also play a significant role in therapeutic decision making regarding the initiation, intensification, and monitoring of ADHD treatment to ensure its effectiveness and quality of life improvement. Lastly, pharmacists could help identify more cost-effective treatment approaches for ADHD patients based on the clinical scenario that is encountered.

Keywords: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; outcomes; pharmaceutical care; pharmacist; role.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / drug therapy
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
  • Health Care Costs
  • Humans
  • Pharmaceutical Services*
  • Pharmacists
  • Quality of Life

Grants and funding

This work received external funding from Deanship for Research and Innovation of the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia (project number IFP22UQU4320605DSR240).