ArticleThe South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa2024
Scheduling of methylphenidate: Preventing misuse or impeding ADHD treatment adherence?
Article in The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Seasonal trends in methylphenidate use: A mirror of misuse or compliance?The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, with a chronic, and potentially debilitating course if untreated. Medication adherence is poor - negatively affecting emotional, social, educational and employment outcomes. The current Schedule 6 status of methylphenidate (MPH) drives healthcare resource utilisation and costs - a potential barrier to care. Aim: This study explored stakeholders' understanding and perceptions of the potential impact of a regulatory shift in the scheduling of MPH on treatment accessibility and adherence for ADHD. Setting: Participants from multiple stakeholder groups, involved in ADHD management in South Africa, were recruited via professional networks. Methods: A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 23 stakeholders was conducted to explore their views on the utility, benefits and risks associated with rescheduling MPH. Results: Six key themes emerged from the interviews: 'adherence', 'accessibility', 'affordability', 'stigma', 'rescheduling of MPH' and 'risk mitigation'. Core to these themes is the role of the scheduling of MPH - which can have a protective societal role, but also acts as a barrier to care for individuals with ADHD. Conclusion: The current Schedule 6 status of MPH is not an effective strategy to prevent misuse and diversion but negatively impacts on treatment adherence. The positive outlook from stakeholders on rescheduling MPH holds significant implications for the ADHD landscape in South Africa. Contribution: It is crucial to address stigma, facilitate fundamental change in service delivery and remove structural and practical barriers to care to improve outcomes for individuals with ADHD. A framework for ADHD treatment adherence is provided.
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