School-based administration of ADHD drugs decline, along with diversion, theft, and misuse.
Since 2000 researchers have reported a decline in the administration of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications given by school nurses, although no decline has been noted in the incidence of ADHD in school-age populations. Government data for the same period show reduced levels of methylphenidate abuse as measured by its involvement in hospital emergency department (ED) admissions. Offsetting this, however, is an increase in the involvement of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine in hospital ED admissions for the same period. Because ADHD medications are often administered in the school setting, a survey of school nurses was undertaken to identify factors related to the administration as well as to the diversion, theft, and misuse of ADHD medications. Of 311 school nurses responding, 295 (95%) reported a significant or moderate decline between 2002 and 2004 in the need for school-based administration of ADHD medications. Respondents also reported reductions in diversion, theft, and misuse of ADHD drugs.
Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA.
Robert L
RL
Dupont
Richard H
RH
Bucher
Bonnie B
BB
Wilford
John J
JJ
Coleman
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D002648:Child; D003219:Confidentiality; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology / Q000639:trends; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000639:trends; D018579:Patient Selection; D012573:School Nursing / Q000639:trends*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013800:Theft / Q000639:trends*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000661:Amphetamine