Related Experiment Videos
Variations in ADHD treatment among special education students
R Bussing1, B T Zima, T R Belin
1Department of Psychiatry and Health Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|September 15, 1998
Summary
Primary care providers treat most children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), often without mental health specialist involvement. This approach may lead to less comprehensive care compared to specialist treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Healthcare Services Research
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Treatment patterns and patient characteristics for ADHD can vary significantly based on the type of healthcare provider involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in patient demographics (case-mix) and treatment strategies for ADHD based on the provider type.
- To understand how care for ADHD differs when managed by primary care physicians versus mental health specialists.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage study design identified 102 children with ADHD in special education (grades 2-4).
- Standardized interviews with parents and children assessed treatment needs, service utilization, and care processes.
Main Results:
- Approximately 75% of children received ADHD treatment from primary care providers (PCPs); 68% of these had no mental health specialist contact.
- Children treated solely by PCPs had fewer comorbidities, less impairment, and lower family burden than those treated solely by mental health specialists.
- PCP-only ADHD treatment involved fewer sessions, less patient time, and reduced use of multimodal therapies.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations exist in ADHD case-mix and treatment patterns depending on the provider type.
- Future research on ADHD treatment outcomes must account for these provider-driven differences in patient characteristics and care delivery.