Attitudes toward attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment: parents' and children's perspectives.
Attitudes toward pharmacological treatment may be a major factor contributing to adherence to such treatment. In the current study, attitudes toward methylphenidate treatment among 50 children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their parents were assessed. Authors of this study have found that the study population is concerned and suspicious toward methylphenidate treatment. Most participants were exposed to negative information even before treatment initiation, which caused many participants to consult other sources and postpone the treatment initiation. Although experiencing methylphenidate as safe and effective (after 23.5 months of treatment), the leading cause of negative attitudes is the concern regarding long-term effects. The single most effective factor regarding the attitude toward methylphenidate treatment is the neurologist's explanation. It is concluded that the pediatric neurologist has a crucial role in affecting attitudes of children and parents toward methylphenidate treatment.
Berger
Itai
I
Neuro-Pediatric Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel. itberg@hadassah.org.il
Dor
Talia
T
Nevo
Yoram
Y
Goldzweig
Gil
G
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015982:Bias; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013995:Time
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate