Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Patterns of Health Professionals Toward Medical and Non-medical Stimulant Use by
Natalia Y Loskutova1, Jason Waterman2, Elisabeth Callen2
1From the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network, Leawood, KS (NL, EC, EB, JS); Heritage Health and Housing, Commack, NY (JW); University of Colorado Denver Department of Family Medicine, Aurora, CO (EWC). nloskutova@hotmail.com.
Background:
The role of family physicians (FPs) and college health professionals (CHPs) in stimulant treatment and nonmedical use of stimulants is not clear.
Objective:
To investigate the current practices, concerns, needs, beliefs, barriers, and facilitators to appropriate pharmacological treatment of teens and young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prevention of nonmedical use and diversion.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey developed by the project team and experts in the field, delivered to national sample of FPs and CHPs.
Results:
A total of 794 completed surveys were analyzed. The average age of respondents was 51.6 ± 10.3 years; 50.6% of the respondents were female. The majority of CHPs (80.6%) reported they spend 75% to 100% of their time with patients age 17 to 24 years and 74.0% of FPs reported they spend less than 25% of their time with this age group. The majority (91.7%) of the respondents indicated that untreated ADHD affects quality of life, and 76.4% indicated untreated ADHD is often associated with risky behaviors. More CHPs than FPs always refer out for ADHD diagnosis (70.7% vs 52.1%; P < .001). Most respondents (81.2%) were concerned with ADHD medication diversion, and 84.2% believed that diversion or abuse is a problem overall. Respondents indicated they are unprepared to provide patient education on decisions about pharmacotherapy or behavioral therapy choices for adult ADHD.
Conclusion:
There is an opportunity to enhance safety and effectiveness of ADHD management in young adults. Additional resources and interventions are needed to improve medication management, reduce misuse, and ensure safe and appropriate use of stimulants.
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