Treatment Approaches and Growth Parameters in Pediatric ADHD: Examining Differences Across Race

Racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric mental health conditions are well-documented. Stimulants are the cornerstone of ADHD treatment, but long-term effects on growth remain a concern. We retrospectively analyzed treatment history (e.g., duration, medication, comorbidity), growth, and demographics (e.g., socioeconomic status and race) from 197 pediatric patients with ADHD. We found Black and Hispanic patients were younger, had lower socioeconomic status, and were followed for longer than White patients. Despite similar amounts of comorbidities across racial groups, White patients received more antidepressants (p < 0.001). Stimulant users were prescribed fewer atomoxetine, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications but had longer follow-up and more total medications. We saw a significant decrease in height Z-scores for the whole cohort, and an increase in BMI Z-scores in Hispanic patients. The findings highlight disparities in pharmacological treatment of pediatric patients with ADHD and more research is needed to understand factors contributing to potential biases to reduce inequities in care and improve patient outcomes.