Pilot Evaluation of the Medication Integration Protocol for Adolescents with ADHD in Behavioral Care: Treatment Fidelity and Medication Uptake.

Although Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is prevalent among adolescents in outpatient behavioral care, one of the few evidence-based treatment options, stimulant medication, is significantly underutilized. The Medication Integration Protocol (MIP) is a family-based intervention designed to help behavior therapists assume a lead role in educating clients about ADHD in adolescents, promoting family-centered decisions about medication initiation, and integrating medication management activities within behavioral treatment planning. This pilot study evaluated treatment fidelity and medication utilization for inner-city teens receiving MIP (n = 14) compared to a matched Historical Control (HC) group (n = 21) in a community clinic. Observational analyses revealed that in comparison to HC, MIP demonstrated basic protocol fidelity with regard to adherence to the MIP protocol, therapeutic alliance with the adolescent, and clinical focus on ADHD in session. MIP showed greater psychiatric evaluation completion and ADHD medication initiation than HC. Next steps in the ongoing development of MIP are outlined.