Abstract:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Pharmacological treatment is the first option in the treatment of ADHD. Long-term treatment is required, as the course of the disease often continues throughout life. Long-term adherence to treatment in ADHD is important in terms of reducing the risk of substance use, accidents, and risk-taking behaviours. Medication adherence is very important for the successful outcome of the treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors that may affect treatment adherence in the Turkish sample. We found that 39.6% of children with ADHD had high medication adherence accordingly Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Medication adherence of boys and girls were similar. When the education level of mothers was compared, the education level of mothers with high medication adherence group was higher than those with poor medication adherence group, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.013). We can say that highly educated families who learn that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and can realize the risks that may arise as a result of being untreated are more careful about drug use.

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