Pediatricians' knowledge and attitudes concerning diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. A national survey approach.
OBJECTIVE
To examine pediatricians' knowledge and attitudes concerning the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
United States.


METHODS
Three hundred eighty pediatricians comprising respondents from a random sample of 1000 members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Pediatricians' perceptions of diagnostic modalities, child and family communication concerning ADD and ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and a variety of treatment issues were assessed in this study. Findings indicate that methylphenidate (Ritalin) hydrochloride is the most prescribed medication for treatment of ADD and ADHD. Pediatricians reported common parent and child misperceptions about ADD and ADHD treatment. Results suggest a wide range of reported physician behavior with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of ADD and ADHD.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater attention could be paid to providing accurate information in medical and educator training with respect to the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of ADD and ADHD.
Kwasman
A
A
Pediatric Group of Riverside, Calif, USA.
Tinsley
B J
BJ
Lepper
H S
HS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000662:Amphetamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003000:Clonidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards*; D010389:Pemoline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012494:Sampling Studies
D000662:Amphetamines; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D010389:Pemoline; D003000:Clonidine