Therapeutic itinerary in care for people with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

The increasing prescription and consumption of methylphenidate is a public health problem that needs to be monitored by health services and a multidisciplinary team. In this way, the study aims to describe the therapeutic itinerary of children and adolescents with ADHD from diagnosis to drug treatment. This is a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Three sample groups participated in the study, Mothers (n.11), Teachers (n.16), and Pedagogical Team (n.5), who lived with children and adolescents with ADHD during the pandemic and who got Methylphenidate via the Special Medicines Protocol. Data collection took place through interviews, which underwent content analysis, with the help of the MAXQDA Plus software. Three categories were identified in the results: Seeking care in primary health care; Receiving care and diagnosis in specialized care; Implications regarding the prescription, dispensation, and consumption of methylphenidate. We conclude that health services and professionals need to be properly trained to care for people with ADHD, as children generally exhibit a variety of behaviors that are natural for their age, which can easily be confused with ADHD. Continuous monitoring with the multidisciplinary team is essential for social interaction and improvement in symptoms.

Key words: methylphenidate; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; primary attention.