ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and may continue through adolescence and adulthood. It is defined as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impairs an individual’s functioning and development (APA, 2013). The recommended treatment for ADHD may be educational, nutritional, psychological (Sonuga-Barke et al., 2013) ‏, and/or pharmacological. Psychopharmacological treatment (e.g., methylphenidate [MPH], is the first and most common treatment for ADHD (e.g., Millichap, 2010). The use of stimulant medications has been strongly debated because medications may alter individuals' sense of authenticity and even affect their free will (Comstock, 2011), possibly seriously compromising youths' adherence to medication management (e.g., Charach & Fernandez, 2013; McCarthy, 2014). Although some attempts have been made to understand the factors that may affect medication adherence generally (e.g., Charach & Fernandez, 2013) and the extent to which ADHD medications affects sense of authenticity particularly, the matter warrants further examination. In addition, when a treatment that may change an individual’s sense of psychological authenticity is considered, ethical issues that arise should be borne in mind and discussed with that individual and his or her family.

 The present study examined online forums in which youths' experiences with ADHD medications and their sense of control over the use and effects of the medications on authenticity, are discussed. These forums facilitate social interaction and allow individuals to disclose their experiences and opinions regarding health and disability. Online narrative presented in various platforms are a useful source of data for researching narrative of individuals with ADHD (Fleischmann & Miller, 2013).

‘Authenticity’ is an accepted term that describes an individual’s true essence (Varga & Guignon, 2016). An ethical medical treatment is one that allows its recipient to maintain his or her authenticity.

Our goal was to examine how issues of an individual's authenticity is discussed and expressed both by youths with ADHD or their parents and by professionals. Our research questions were:

1)      What are the issues regarding medication's effects on an individual's authenticity?

2)      How are these issues address by youths with ADHD and their parents, and by professionals?

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