Abstract

The efficacy and safety of stimulant medications in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are well established. These therapies are effective in reducing core ADHD symptoms, but they are also associated with recognised adverse effects, including decreased appetite, weight loss and insomnia. Achieving a favourable treatment outcome therefore depends on balancing symptom control with acceptable tolerability. Maintaining treatment continuity is a recognised challenge in ADHD care, and many patients remain untreated, undertreated or discontinue treatment over time. The consequences of inadequately treated ADHD for both the individual and society have been widely described in the literature, and include impaired quality of life and functioning, poorer educational and occupational outcomes, increased risk of injury, suicidal behaviour and criminality, and substantial societal costs1-2

Against this background, a structured literature review was undertaken to evaluate the hypothesis that individualised dose titration and ongoing dose optimisation of stimulant medication are clinically important, but not consistently implemented in routine clinical practice, and that this may contribute to low treatment adherence and early discontinuation. This highlights the potential value of treatment solutions that facilitate more precise and individualised dose optimisation in routine care.