Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder adhd drug use in the context of a sars cov 2 pandemic

Magalhães, Ismael; Nascimento, Luís; Coelho, Joana

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/34908

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Authors

Magalhães, Ismael

Nascimento, Luís

Coelho, Joana

Abstract(s)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Pharmacological treatment, primarily with methylphenidate, is widely used [2,3]. This study evaluates ADHD drug consumption patterns before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Objectives: To analyse the consumption of ADHD medicines in community pharmacies in Bragança before and during the SARSCoV-2 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective, observational, and quantitative study was conducted using data from eight pharmacies between 2018 and 2021. Data were collected through Sifarma and 4DigitalCare software and analysed using SPSS and Excel. Results: Medicine consumption was higher in the pre-pandemic period (2018–2019, 50.97%) than during the pandemic (2020–2021, 49.19%). However, 2021 recorded the highest annual consumption (27%). Ritalin© LA 20mg was the most dispensed medicine. The autumn season showed the highest usage. There was variability in dispensing volumes between pharmacies. Conclusions: The pandemic led to a temporary reduction in ADHD medicine use. Nevertheless, the increased consumption in 2021 suggests a possible delayed pharmacological response due to prolonged confinement. These findings underscore the impact of public health crises on the management of chronic conditions and highlight the need for consistent support for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.