Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Systematic Review of Patients’ and Parents’ Preferences for ADHD Treatment Options and Processes of Care

  • Systematic Review
  • Published:
The Patient - Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Patient preferences are an important topic of study with respect to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) interventions, as there are multiple treatment choices available, multiple developmental levels to consider, and multiple potential individuals involved in treatment (children, parents, and adults with ADHD). Stated preference methods such as discrete choice experiment (DCE), best-worst scaling (BWS), and other utility value methods such as standard gamble interview (SGI) and time trade-off (TTO) are becoming more common in research addressing preferences for ADHD treatments. A synthesis of this research may facilitate improved patient-centered and family-centered treatment for ADHD.

Objective

The purpose of this review was to synthesize reports across existing DCE, BWS, TTO, and SGI studies to assess which aspects of ADHD treatment are most studied as well as most preferred and influential in treatment decisions.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, PsycINFO.

Study Selection

A total of 41 studies referring to preferences for ADHD treatment were identified through the initial search and contact with researchers. Of these, 13 reported ADHD treatment preference data from a study using DCE, BWS, or SGI methods. No TTO studies were identified that met inclusion criteria.

Results

Methods and designs varied considerably across studies. Relatively few studies focused on preferences among children, adolescents, and adults compared with those that focused on the preferences of parents of children with ADHD. The majority of studies focused primarily on medication treatments, with many fewer focused on psychosocial treatments. Some studies indicated that parents of children with ADHD prefer to avoid stimulant medications in favor of behavioral or psychosocial interventions. Others report that parents see medication as a preferred treatment. Treatment outcome is a particularly salient attribute for treatment decisions for many informants.

Conclusions

Potential outcomes of various treatments play a proximal role in patients’ and families’ decisions for ADHD treatment. Because the majority of studies focus on medication treatments for children with ADHD, more research is necessary to understand preferences related to behavioral and other psychosocial treatments both as stand-alone interventions and used in combination with medication. Additional research is also needed to assess the treatment preferences of adults with ADHD. In general, DCE, BWS, and SGI methods allow measurement of patient preferences in a manner that approximates the uncertainty and trade-offs inherent in real-world treatment decision making and provides valuable information to inform patient-centered and family-centered treatment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Barkley RA. Major life activity and health outcomes associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(Suppl 12):10–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Biederman J, Petty CR, Evans M, Small J, Faraone SV. How persistent is ADHD? A controlled 10-year follow-up study of boys with ADHD. Psychiatry Res. 2010;177(3):299–304.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.; 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Daley D, Van der Oord S, Ferrin M, Danckaerts M, Doepfner M, Cortese S, et al. Behavioral interventions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials across multiple outcome domains. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;53(8):835.e5–847.e5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Subcommittee on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Steering Committee on Quality Improvement and Management, et al. ADHD: clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2011;128(5):1007–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Conners CK. Forty years of methylphenidate treatment in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Atten Disord. 2002;6(Supp1):S30.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Evans SW, Owens JS, Bunford N. Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2014;43(4):527–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Spencer T, Biederman J, Wilens T, Doyle R, Surman C, Prince J, et al. A large, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of methylphenidate in the treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2005;57(5):456–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Adler LA, Spencer T, Brown TE, Holdnack J, Saylor K, Schuh K, et al. Once-daily atomoxetine for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a 6-month, double-blind trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009;29(1):44–50.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Marchant BK, Reimherr FW, Halls C, Williams ED, Strong RE, Kondo D, et al. Long-term open-label response to atomoxetine in adult ADHD: influence of sex, emotional dysregulation, and double-blind response to atomoxetine. ADHD Attent Deficit Hyperact Disord. 2011;3(3):237–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Tanaka Y, Rohde LA, Jin L, Feldman PD, Upadhyaya HP. A meta-analysis of the consistency of atomoxetine treatment effects in pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from 15 clinical trials across four geographic regions. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2013;23(4):262–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Safren SA, Otto MW, Sprich S, Winett CL, Wilens TE, Biederman J. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adults with continued symptoms. Behav Res Therapy. 2005;43(7):831–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Zylowska L, Ackerman DL, Yang MH, Futrell JL, Horton NL, Hale TS, et al. Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD: a feasibility study. J Atten Disord. 2008;11(6):737–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Marcus SC, Wan GJ, Kemner JE, Olfson M. Continuity of methylphenidate treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159(6):572–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Chronis AM, Chacko A, Fabiano GA, Wymbs BT, Pelham WE Jr. Enhancements to the behavioral parent training paradigm for families of children with ADHD: review and future directions. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2004;7(1):1–27.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Pliszka S. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46(7):894–921. doi:10.1097/chi.0b013e318054e724.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Vallerand IA, Kalenchuk AL, McLennan JD. Behavioural treatment recommendations in clinical practice guidelines for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a scoping review. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2014;19(4):251–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Kendall T, Taylor E, Perez A, Taylor C. Guidelines: diagnosis and management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children, young people, and adults: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2008;337(7672):751–3.

  19. Eichner JM, Johnson BH. Patient- and family-centered care and the pediatrician’s role. Pediatrics. 2012;129(2):394–404. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-3084.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Bussing R, Zima BT, Gary FA, Garvan CW. Barriers to detection, help-seeking, and service use for children with ADHD symptoms. J Behav Health Serv Res. 2003;30(2):176–89.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. DosReis S, Mychailyszyn MP, Evans-Lacko SE, Beltran A, Riley AW, Myers MA. The meaning of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication and parents’ initiation and continuity of treatment for their child. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2009;19(4):377–83.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Bussing R, Koro-Ljungberg M, Noguchi K, Mason D, Mayerson G, Garvan CW. Willingness to use ADHD treatments: a mixed methods study of perceptions by adolescents, parents, health professionals and teachers. Soc Sci Med. 2012;74(1):92–100.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Charach A, Volpe T, Boydell KM, Gearing RE. A theoretical approach to medication adherence for children and youth with psychiatric disorders. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2008;16(2):126–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Coletti DJ, Pappadopulos E, Katsiotas NJ, Berest A, Jensen PS, Kafantaris V. Parent perspectives on the decision to initiate medication treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2012;22(3):226–37.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Davis CC, Claudius M, Palinkas LA, Wong JB, Leslie LK. Putting families in the center: family perspectives on decision making and ADHD and implications for ADHD care. J Atten Disord. 2012;16(8):675–84. doi:10.1177/1087054711413077.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Fiks AG, Mayne S, DeBartolo E, Power TJ, Guevara JP. Parental preferences and goals regarding ADHD treatment. Pediatrics. 2013;132(4):692–702. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-0152.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Fiks AG, Mayne S, Hughes CC, DeBartolo E, Behrens C, Guevara JP, et al. Development of an instrument to measure parents’ preferences and goals for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Acad Pediatr. 2012;12(5):445–55.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Ryan M, Scott D, Reeves C, Bate A, van Teijlingen E. Eliciting public preferences for healthcare: a systematic review of techniques. Health Technol Assess. 2001;5(5):186. doi:10.3310/hta5050.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Bleichrodt H, Johannesson M. Standard gamble, time trade-off and rating scale: experimental results on the ranking properties of QALYs. J Health Econ. 1997;16(2):155–75.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Bridges JF, Hauber AB, Marshall D, Lloyd A, Prosser LA, Regier DA, et al. Conjoint analysis applications in health-a checklist: a report of the ISPOR Good Research Practices for Conjoint Analysis Task Force. Value Health (Wiley-Blackwell). 2011;14(4):403–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Flynn TN, Louviere JJ. Using best-worst scaling choice experiments to measure public perceptions and preferences for healthcare reform in Australia. Patient. 2010;3(4):275–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Johnson FR, Lancsar E, Marshall D, Kilambi V, Mühlbacher A, Regier DA, et al. Constructing experimental designs for discrete-choice experiments: report of the ISPOR Conjoint Analysis Experimental Design Good Research Practices Task Force. Value Health. 2013;16(1):3–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Flynn TN. Valuing citizen and patient preferences in health: recent developments in three types of best-worst scaling. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2010;10(3):259–67. doi:10.1586/erp.10.29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Van Brunt K, Matza LS, Classi PM, Johnston JA. Preferences related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and its treatment. Patient Prefer Adher. 2011;5:33.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Cooper H, Hedges LV. Research synthesis as a scientific enterprise. In: Cooper H, Hedges LV, editors. The handbook of research synthesis. New York: Russell Sage Foundation; 1994. p. 3–28.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(4):264–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Wymbs F, Cunningham C, Chen Y, Rimas H, Deal K, Waschbusch DA, et al. Examining parents’ preferences for group versus individual parent training programs versus a minimal information alternative for children with ADHD symptoms using a discrete choice conjoint experiment. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol (in press).

  38. Ross M, Bridges JFP, Ng X, Wagner L, Frosch E, Reeves G, dosReis S. A best-worst scaling experiment to prioritize caregiver concerns about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication for children. Psychiatr Serv. 2014. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201300525.

  39. Lloyd A, Hodgkins P, Dewilde S, Sasané R, Falconer S, Sonuga Barke E. Methylphenidate delivery mechanisms for the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: heterogeneity in parent preferences. Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2011;27(03):215–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Secnik K, Matza LS, Cottrell S, Edgell E, Tilden D, Mannix S. Health state utilities for childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder based on parent preferences in the United Kingdom. Med Decis Mak. 2005;25(1):56–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Fegert JM, Slawik L, Wermelskirchen D, Nübling M, Mühlbacher A. Assessment of parents’ preferences for the treatment of school-age children with ADHD: a discrete choice experiment. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2011;11(3):245–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Muhlbacher AC, Nübling M. Analysis of patients’ preferences: direct assessment and discrete-choice experiment in therapy of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patient. 2010;3(4):285–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Nafees B, Setyawan J, Lloyd A, Ali S, Hearn S, Sasane R, et al. Parent preferences regarding stimulant therapies for ADHD: a comparison across six European countries. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;23(12):1189–2000.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. dosReis S, Ng X, Frosch E, Reeves G, Cunningham C, Bridges JF. Using best-worst scaling to measure caregiver preferences for managing their child’s ADHD––a pilot study. Patient. 2014. doi:10.1007/s40271-014-0098-4TI.

  45. Wymbs FA. Examining parents’ preferences for children’s mental health services using conjoint analysis. Rep Emot Behav Disord Youth. 2011;11(3):74–8.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Waschbusch DA, Cunningham CE, Pelham WE, Rimas HL, Greiner AR, Gnagy EM, et al. A discrete choice conjoint experiment to evaluate parent preferences for treatment of young, medication naive children with ADHD. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2011;40(4):546–61. doi:10.1080/15374416.2011.581617.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Glenngård AH, Hjelmgren J, Thomsen PH, Tvedten T. Patient preferences and willingness-to-pay for ADHD treatment with stimulants using discrete choice experiment (DCE) in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Nordic J Psychiatry. 2013;67(5):351–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Matza LS, Secnik K, Rentz AM, Mannix S, Sallee FR, Gilbert D, et al. Assessment of health state utilities for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children using parent proxy report. Qual Life Res. 2005;14(3):735–47. doi:10.2307/4038822.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Mühlbacher AC, Rudolph I, Lincke HJ, Nübling M. Preferences for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a discrete choice experiment. BMC Health Serv Res. 2009;9:149.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Sawtooth Software I. ACBC technical paper (Sawtooth Software technical paper series). 2009.

  51. Shah AK, Oppenheimer DM. Heuristics made easy: An effort-reduction framework. Psychol Bull. 2008;134(2):207–22. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.134.2.207.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Cunningham CE, Deal K, Chen Y. Adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis: a new patient-centered approach to the assessment of health service preferences. Patient. 2010;3(4):257–73.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Orme BK. Getting started with conjoint analysis: strategies for product design and pricing research. Chicago (IL): Research Publishers, LLC.; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Cunningham C, Deal K, Rimas H, Buchanan D, Gold M, Sdao-Jarvie K, et al. Modeling the information preferences of parents of children with mental health problems: a discrete choice conjoint experiment. J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2008;36(7):1123–38. doi:10.1007/s10802-008-9238-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Deal K. Segmenting patients and physicians using preferences from discrete choice experiments. Patient. 2014;7(1):5–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Cunningham C, Chen Y, Deal K, Rimas H, McGrath P, Reid G, et al. The interim service preferences of parents waiting for children’s mental health treatment: a discrete choice conjoint experiment. J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2013;41(6):865–77. doi:10.1007/s10802-013-9728-x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Molina BSG, Hinshaw SP, Swanson JM, Arnold LE, Vitiello B, Jensen PS, et al. The MTA at 8 years: prospective follow-up of children treated for combined-type ADHD in a multisite study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009;48(5):484–500. doi:10.1097/CHI.0b013e31819c23d0.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Montoya A, Colom F, Ferrin M. Is psychoeducation for parents and teachers of children and adolescents with ADHD efficacious? A systematic literature review. Eur Psychiatry. 2011;26(3):166–75. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2010.10.005.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Rollnick S, Miller WR. What is motivational interviewing? Behav Cogn Psychother. 1995;23(4):325–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. De Groot I, Otten W, Dijs-Elsinga J, Smeets H, Kievit J, Marang-Van De Mheen P. Choosing between hospitals: the influence of the experiences of other patients. Med Decis Mak. 2012;32(6):764–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Godin G, Kok G. The theory of planned behavior: a review of its applications to health-related behaviors. Am J Health Promot. 1996;11(2):87–98.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Macinko J, Starfield B, Shi L. The contribution of primary care systems to health outcomes within Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, 1970–1998. Health Serv Res. 2003;38(3):831–65.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Ungar WJ. Challenges in health state valuation in paediatric economic evaluation. Pharmacoeconomics. 2011;29(8):641–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Prosser LA, Hammitt JK, Keren R. Measuring health preferences for use in cost-utility and cost-benefit analyses of interventions in children. Pharmacoeconomics. 2007;25(9):713–26.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Cunningham CE, Vaillancourt T, Cunningham LJ, Chen Y, Ratcliffe J. Modeling the bullying prevention program design recommendations of students from grades five to eight: a discrete choice conjoint experiment. Aggress Behav. 2011;37(6):521–37. doi:10.1002/ab.20408.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Lloyd A, Dewilde S, Yuen C, Price M, Annemans L, Coghill D. The perceived benefits of dosing schedules for children with ADHD [poster]. In: 7th Annual European Congress of ISPOR, Oct 24–26. Germany: Hamburg; 2004.

Download references

Acknowledgments

Dr. Gregory Fabiano receives funding through grants from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; the Administration for Children and Families Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation; the Department of Education; and the Institute of Education Sciences. Dr. Fabiano has also received consulting fees from Health and Wellness Partners related to school-based interventions for ADHD and he receives royalties from Guilford Publications. Dr. Charles Cunningham has been the recipient of workshop fees and publication royalties for the Community Parent Education (COPE) Program, which has been used as a psychosocial intervention for parents of children with ADHD. Dr. Cunningham’s participation was supported by the Jack Laidlaw Chair in Patient-Centered Health Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University.

Dr. Nicole Schatz, Dr. Susan dosReis, Dr. Daniel Waschbusch, Stephanie Jerome, Kellina Lupas, and Karen Morris report no conflicts of interest.

Author Contributions

Dr. Nicole Schatz served as the lead author for this manuscript, conducted the initial literature search, and is the guarantor for the overall content. Drs. Schatz, Fabiano, Cunningham, dosReis, and Waschbusch contributed to the formulation of the research questions, development of the coding manual used to extract data, and identification of papers for inclusion in the review. Dr. Schatz, Dr. Fabiano, Stephanie Jerome, Kellina Lupas, and Karen Morris, were responsible for reviewing papers and applying the coding manual to extract data. Dr. Schatz drafted the manuscript, and all authors were involved in providing input on the interpretation of the data and the overall organization and conceptualization of the manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicole K. Schatz.

Appendix: Search Strategy

Appendix: Search Strategy

Database: MEDLINE via Ovid

Date conducted: 24 October 2014

Terms:

  1. 1.

    Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (Explode to include all associated terms)

  2. 2.

    Patient Preferences

  3. 3.

    Stated preferences

  4. 4.

    Discrete Choice

  5. 5.

    Conjoint Analysis

  6. 6.

    Best worst

  7. 7.

    Maximum difference

  8. 8.

    Standard gamble

  9. 9.

    Utility values

  10. 10.

    Time trade-off

  11. 11.

    2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10

  12. 12.

    1 and 11

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Schatz, N.K., Fabiano, G.A., Cunningham, C.E. et al. Systematic Review of Patients’ and Parents’ Preferences for ADHD Treatment Options and Processes of Care. Patient 8, 483–497 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-015-0112-5

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-015-0112-5

Keywords

Navigation