Empowering Caregivers in ADHD Treatment: Standard Care Vs. Decision Aid, Coaching, and AI Support

Participants will receive a structured booklet developed based on IPDAS guidelines to support informed decision-making regarding medication vs. no medication for ADHD treatment. The booklet provides a clear explanation of ADHD, the role of medication, and the option of not using medication, including the potential benefits, risks, and uncertainties of each choice. It presents evidence-based information in a balanced manner, helping parents understand possible outcomes such as symptom management, side effects, and long-term considerations. The booklet also includes value clarification exercises to help parents align their decision with personal preferences and concerns.

Participants will receive the written decision aid booklet, developed based on IPDAS guidelines, along with a one-on-one decision coaching session. The decision coaching will follow a structured script based on the Ottawa Personal Decision Guide (OPDG), refined through training with the principal investigator (PI). The decision coach will not give medical advice but will help parents clarify their values, address uncertainties, and weigh the benefits and risks of medication vs. no medication. Through guided value clarification exercises, parents will explore their concerns and preferences to make a well-informed decision.

"Participants will interact with a large language model-based AI tool (Claude) to assist in their decision-making process regarding medication vs. no medication for ADHD treatment. This AI-driven intervention is designed to provide structured, personalized decision support while maintaining an unbiased, evidence-based approach.~Participants will receive 10 structured prompts to ask the AI, covering key aspects of ADHD treatment (e.g., benefits and risks of medication, long-term outcomes, alternatives).~Following this structured phase, participants will have 15 minutes of free interaction with the AI to explore any remaining questions or concerns.~At the end of the session, they will receive a summary output of their AI interactions to review.~The AI tool is designed to translate complex medical information into user-friendly language, provide comparative treatment insights, and help parents clarify their values and concerns. However, it will not offer direct medical recommendations."