duration, discontinuation and continuity of ADHD treatment

Last edited 08/2018 and last reviewed 09/2022

• medication review and consideration of discontinuation drug treatment
  • a healthcare professional with training and expertise in managing ADHD should review ADHD medication at least once a year and discuss with the person with ADHD (and their families and carers as appropriate) whether medication should be continued. The review should include a comprehensive assessment of the:
    • preference of the child, young person or adult with ADHD (and their family or carers as appropriate)
    • benefits, including how well the current treatment is working throughout the day
    • adverse effects
    • clinical need and whether medication has been optimised
    • impact on education and employment
    • effects of missed doses, planned dose reductions and periods of no treatment
    • effect of medication on existing or new mental health, physical health or neurodevelopmental conditions
    • need for support and type of support (for example, psychological, educational, social) if medication has been optimised but ADHD symptoms continue to cause a significant impairment
      
      
• consider trial periods of stopping medication or reducing the dose when assessment of the overall balance of benefits and harms suggests this may be appropriate
  • if the decision is made to continue medication, the reasons for this should be documented

For detailed guidance the consult the full guideline (1).

Reference:

• (1) NICE (March 2018). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults