Parental perceptions and satisfaction with stimulant medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Few reports have documented parental perceptions of stimulants for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), despite the recent increased use of stimulants among youths. Of 302 parents recruited from six pediatric primary care clinics, 84% completed a survey of their knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction with the medication their child was taking for ADHD. Two thirds of the parents believed that sugar and diet affect hyperactivity. Although few parents believed that stimulants could lead to drug abuse, 55% initially were hesitant to use medication on the basis of information in the lay press, and 38% believed that too many children receive medication for ADHD. Parents were more satisfied with the behavioral and academic improvement relative to improvement in their child's self-esteem. Attitudes were positively correlated with satisfaction and were more positive among white than nonwhite parents. The findings highlight parental misconceptions and reservations about ADHD medication treatment that require clarification as to whether race/ethnicity, income, and social status influence their views and use of treatments.
Dosreis
Susan
S
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. sdosreil@jhmi.edu
Zito
Julie Magno
JM
Safer
Daniel J
DJ
Soeken
Karen L
KL
Mitchell
John W
JW
Ellwood
Leslie C
LC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants