Through her ADHD Medication Review service, Susan Nguyen MPS is breaking down ADHD misconceptions – one consultation at a time.
What sparked your interest in ADHD care?
My nephew’s diagnosis with ADHD and autism. Because I’m a pharmacist, my sister turned to me with questions about ADHD medicines, but I couldn’t provide the same depth of knowledge I could for other conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or asthma. I became increasingly aware of the barriers to care, the stigma surrounding ADHD, and the impact the condition has on everyday lives. My goal is to ensure people with ADHD and their families receive compassionate, evidence-based care so they can thrive, not just cope.
Tell us about your ADHD Medication Review service.
The ADHD Medication Review is a personalised one-on-one consultation designed to support people living with ADHD and those who care for them.
I review how ADHD medicines, vitamins or supplements are working, identify possible adverse effects, and address concerns that may affect treatment outcomes.
The consultation also creates space to answer questions that often go unasked in busy healthcare settings, while offering practical strategies to simplify medication management. A personalised report can then be shared with the person’s treating doctor, supporting collaborative care tailored to the individual’s needs within my scope of practice.
How do you approach ADHD medicines management?
The most important principle is to meet people where they are. No two people with ADHD experience the condition in the same way, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Beyond checking adherence, effectiveness and adverse effects, I focus on understanding how treatment affects a person’s quality of life.
What difficulties do patients face when starting ADHD medicines?
One of the biggest challenges is navigating misinformation. Well-meaning family members, friends and social media can create confusion – particularly around stimulant medicines, which are often viewed as addictive drugs rather than legitimate treatments for a neurodevelopmental condition.
Managing expectations is another significant challenge. Finding the right medicine and dose often takes time, and factors such as co-existing conditions, lifestyle and individual biology can all influence outcomes.
From a practical perspective, ADHD itself makes medicines management difficult. Remembering repeat prescriptions, managing 6-month prescription expiry dates, following prescribing intervals and planning ahead all rely on executive functioning skills. Supporting patients with systems and strategies to overcome these barriers is therefore an important part of treatment.
What’s the most rewarding part of supporting patients?
Seeing the relief people experience when they finally feel heard, understood and supported. When people understand their condition and feel confident managing their medicines, they begin to believe that life can become manageable and that they are capable of thriving and being in charge of their health.
What impact can pharmacists have on ADHD care?
Pharmacists have enormous potential to improve ADHD care, but it starts with education and understanding. ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental condition – not a character flaw, poor parenting or an excuse for underperformance. Dispelling these misconceptions is essential for providing equitable care.
Pharmacists already play an important role in helping patients manage chronic conditions, and ADHD should be viewed in the same way. We are in a unique position to monitor treatment, identify medicines-related issues early, reinforce education and collaborate with GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists. By moving beyond dispensing medicines to become active members of the healthcare team, pharmacists can help improve adherence, reduce barriers to care and make a meaningful difference to the quality of life for people living with ADHD.
