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Table 4 Summary of review, recommendation and opinion articles

From: Treatments for ADHD in adults in jails, prisons and correctional settings: a scoping review of the literature

Author/Year

Article Type

Country

Main Points

COI

Young 2018

Consensus

UK

Screen all PWAI for ADHD. Stimulants first line, non-stimulants when ineffective/SUD. Include psychoeducation, psychological, and psychosocial components. Treat severe comorbidity before ADHD. Promote significant PWAI engagement in treatment.

Y

Appelbaum, 2009

Protocol

USA

Diagnosis: Consensus by 2 psychiatrists, diagnosis of ADHD before age 12, psych testing by doctoral psychologist, and clinically significant behaviour impairment.

Treatment: Non-pharm first line, non-stimulants second line, stimulants if others not effective. Continuation of treatment requires objective improvement and compliance

NS

Scott 2016

Expert opinion

Canada

Modification of Appelbaum, 2009. Suggests addition of improved screening and behavioural interventions. First line treatment should depend on facility.

Y

Young, 2011

Consensus

UK

Suggests improved screening, staff training, and resource availability to PWAI. Methylphenidate first-line, atomoxetine/dexamphetamine when abuse potential. Treat comorbidities. Benefits of stimulants outweigh risks.

Y

Mattes, 2016

Review

USA

Stimulant risks may outweigh benefits. Mixed research on current medications. Alpha-2 agonists potential medication.

N

Knecht 2015

Systematic review

Spain

Self-report tools debatable, Coolidge Correctional Inventory specifically made for PWAI. Medication first-line when less severe symptoms. Tailored interventions needed if comorbidities.

Y

Young, 2019

Review

UK

Some concerns of stimulants may be unsubstantiated. Non-stimulants can be used when comorbid SUD. Focus on psychological, behavioural, and educational needs.

Y

Sebastian 2019

Review

Germany

Focus on substance use interventions and reduce violence/offending. Completion/adherence to rehabilitation plans is likely challenge. Early intervention programs required.

Y

Tully, 2022

Review

UK

Proper diagnosis/treatment of ADHD time-consuming, takes away from treating other conditions. Current research on medications is limited & questionable. Be cautious when prescribing.

N

Retz 2021

Review

Multi-national

Early recognition and intervention essential. Concerns of stimulants may be outweighed by benefits. Atomoxetine good alternative when comorbid SUD. Address psychological, behavioral, and educational needs.

NS

Sutton, 2016

Text & opi-nion

Canada

Non-stimulants may not be ideal in prison. Continuous performance tests may reduce malingering. Calls for practice guidelines, currently lack of consistency.

N

Appelbaum, 2008

Review

USA

PWAI staging behaviour can overburden psychiatrists. Guidelines/ consistency may mitigate issues. Misuse/diversion should prompt discontinuation of stimulants. Education/group therapy may benefit PWAI.

N

Burns, 2009

Text & opi-nion

USA

Discourages use of stimulants due to prevalence of SUD, misuse potential, and burden/safety concerns.

NS

Young, 2011

Review

Multi-national

Treatment requires complex plan that considers rehabilitation/comorbidity consideration. Early intervention crucial.

N

Ginsberg 2013

Text & opi-nion

Sweden

Medication can be beneficial but should be used carefully. Pros outweigh cons if treatment controlled and individualized.

Y

Hall, 2016

Commentary

USA

Diagnosis made difficult by high rates of trauma, SUD, and comorbidity. Treatment should include behavioral component.

N

UKAAN, 2013

Chapter in book

UK

Comprehensive, individualized treatment programs needed.

NS

Barry, 2008

Review

USA

Consider biological/genetic components in treatment.

NS

Young, 2015

Conference abstract

UK

Multimodal treatments may have a greater effect. R&R2ADHD developed for corrections.

Y

Fructuoso, 2019

Letter to editor

Switzerland

Stimulants are effective treatment, but major risk of misuse/diversion/safety for PWAI and staff. Suggests consideration of alternative approaches, such as non-addictive drugs or non-pharm interventions.

NS

Boutwell 2020

Review

USA

Stimulants are effective but concerned about safety/cost/side effects.

NS