Differences in patterns of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication use in US children
Jennie E Ryan1, Alexander Weigard2, Sean Esteban McCabe3
1College of Nursing Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.
JCPP Advances
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication use varies significantly by sex, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in children. Addressing these disparities is crucial for equitable ADHD treatment access and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Understanding attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication patterns is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.
- Limited data exist on racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic treatment differences in longitudinal national samples.
- ADHD affects millions of children, necessitating research into equitable treatment access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic differences in ADHD medication use patterns.
- To analyze longitudinal trends in ADHD medication initiation, adherence, and discontinuation.
- To identify disparities in treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Main Methods:
- Secondary data analysis of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N=11,875).
- Included 9708 children aged 9-10 at baseline, followed for 3 years.
- Examined sociodemographic factors, ADHD medication use (stimulants/non-stimulants), and ADHD severity.
Main Results:
- By 3-year follow-up, 13% of children used ADHD medications.
- Females were more likely to never receive medication (92% vs. 82%).
- Asian and Hispanic children were more likely to never receive medication compared to White children.
- Children from lower-income households were less likely to receive and remain on ADHD medications.
- Black children showed higher discontinuation rates, though not significant after adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities in ADHD medication use exist based on sex, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in US children.
- These differences highlight inequities in access to and utilization of ADHD treatment.
- Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring equitable care and improving treatment outcomes for all children with ADHD.
Keywords:
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)child and adolescenthealth differencespharmacotherapystimulant medicationMore Related Videos
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