title: Physician Perceptions of ADHD Stimulant Diversion and Misuse.
abstract: Objective:The recent rise in ADHD has prompted concerns about adolescents with ADHD diverting and/or misusing stimulants. This is the first study to assess physician perceptions of the pervasiveness of these issues.Method:Questionnaires were mailed to a national sample of pediatric subspecialists. Responses were analyzed (n= 826; 18% response rate) using descriptive statistics and regression analyses.Results:In the past year, 59% of physicians suspected ≥1 patient(s) with ADHD diverted stimulants. Seventy-four percent believed ≥1 patient(s) feigned symptoms to obtain an initial ADHD diagnosis; 66% believed ≥1 patient(s) wanted stimulants to improve academic performance. Child and adolescent psychiatrists were most likely to suspect diversion and feigning symptoms. Thirty-nine percent of physicians believed diversion was at least "common."Conclusion:Although many physicians suspected stimulant diversion and misuse, a substantial number were unaware of these issues, and subspecialist perceptions varied. These findings support the potential pervasiveness of these issues and the need for increased physician awareness.
authors.affiliation: Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Natalie M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Colaneri
authors.affiliation: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Keim
authors.affiliation: Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adesman
mesh_terms: D000073978:Academic Performance; D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D063487:Prescription Drug Misuse; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants
keywords: ADHD; cognitive performance enhancement; diversion; prescription drug abuse; stimulant misuse