Improving Compliance With Diabetes Management in Young Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Using Behavior Therapy

Medical adherence to complex diabetes regimens can be challenging, particularly for adolescents, and therefore represents the most common reason for referral to behavioral psychologists among this population. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), when present in children and adolescents with diabetes, presents unique barriers to compliance with diabetes management. Existing research on the co-occurrence of diabetes and ADHD is reviewed, and a framework is presented in which evidence-based behavioral treatments for ADHD may be applied to target diabetes management for this population. Case illustrations of two young adolescents with co-occurring diabetes and ADHD are offered, in which evidence-based ADHD treatments were successful in increasing medical compliance. Recommendations for larger clinical trials with this population are made.