Clinical Considerations for Stimulant Medication Misuse

Abstract

A growing number of adults have a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with about a third of those being prescribed a stimulant medication. Concurrently, the rate of stimulant medication misuse is a growing public health concern. Misusing a stimulant medication poses many physical and psychological risks. Balancing treating ADHD symptoms and a stimulant use disorder is challenging for health care providers. This case presentation explores stimulant misuse for an adult patient with a diagnosis of ADHD, along with clinical considerations and actions that an advanced practice registered nurse can use to care for this unique population appropriately and safely.