Cessation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs in the young (CADDY) - A pharmacoepidemiological and qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pharmacological treatment, and its demographic and clinical details, and to estimate the proportion of patients in the target group who stopped ADHD treatment and investigate possible factors for continuation or cessation of treatment. Design: A pharmacoepidemiological study using an automated database and a qualititative study using patient interviews. Part 1 was a pharmacoepidemiological study that provided accurate data on use and cessation of ADHD drugs. Part 2 was an in-depth interview study to investigate the reasons, processes and outcomes of treatment cessation. Setting: Part 1: primary care usi..