Beta 2-agonist metered dose inhaler overuse: psychological and demographic profiles.
OBJECTIVE
To identify psychological and demographic correlates of children and adolescents known to overuse beta 2-agonist metered dose inhalers (beta-MDIs).


METHODS
During residential care for severe asthma, demographic and psychological characteristics of 17 children and adolescents known to be beta-MDI overusers were compared with 38 asthmatic subjects of similar age without such history.


RESULTS
beta-MDI overuse occurred among all groups; however, males, minorities, and those from lower socioeconomic groups were overrepresented. Overusers scored significantly lower on standardized IQ tests. Subtests of arithmetic for numeric reasoning, comprehension for understanding of social values, and picture completion for visual attention to detail were also significantly lower in beta-MDI overusers, as were reading achievement tests. Testing also revealed tendencies toward dominant, shrewd, and undisciplined personality traits in the overusers.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognition of these characteristics of children prone to beta-MDI overuse will raise the clinician's awareness of this potential. Greater efforts and alternative approaches toward education and treatment of the at-risk patient and family are indicated.
Beausoleil
J L
JL
Children's Rehabilitation Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pediatrics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Weldon
D P
DP
McGeady
S J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders; D003071:Cognition; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists