The Use of Stimulant Medication and Behavioral Interventions for the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Survey of Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences

摘要

We examined parents' knowledge, attitudes, and information sourcesregarding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including treatmentwith stimulant medication and behavioral interventions. Responses from parentswith a child diagnosed with ADHD and parents without a child diagnosed withADHD were also compared. Participants consisted of 146 parents of elementary agechildren from Wisconsin. The surveyed parents were aware of issues surroundingADHD and the use of stimulant medication, but there were several areas where theypossessed inaccurate or incomplete factual information. Parents who had a childdiagnosed with ADHD rated the effects of stimulant medication more positively andside effects as less severe than other parents. They also rated behavioral interven-tions as less effective on all questions. Implications of the study are discussed.