Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: Trend in Diagnosis and Use of Pharmacotherapy by Gender

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated 8% to 10% of children in the US and accounts for an estimated 30% to 50% of all childhood mental health referrals. Among children and adolescents, studies suggest that boys are referred for evaluation more often than girls, as the...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical pediatrics 2012-06, Vol.51 (6), p.584-589
Main Authors: Sclar, David A., Robison, Linda M., Bowen, Kurt A., Schmidt, Jennifer M., Castillo, Leigh V., Oganov, Ambartsum M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors - therapeutic use
Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - epidemiology
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use
Child
Child, Preschool
Childrens health
Clinical outcomes
Cross-Sectional Studies
Drug therapy
Female
Gender
Humans
Male
Pediatrics
Propylamines - therapeutic use
Sex Distribution
United States - epidemiology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated 8% to 10% of children in the US and accounts for an estimated 30% to 50% of all childhood mental health referrals. Among children and adolescents, studies suggest that boys are referred for evaluation more often than girls, as the expression of the disorder in boys is often more disruptive to parents and teachers. As a result, more children, especially girls, adolescents, and adults, are being diagnosed with ADHD, treated with pharmacotherapy and treated for longer periods of time. Sclar et al determine at the national level the number and rate of office-based visits documenting a diagnosis of ADHD among children aged 5 through 18 years, in total and by gender; the extent of use of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of ADHD, in total and by gender; and population-adjusted rates in total and by gender, over the time frame 1991 through 2008.
ISSN:0009-9228
1938-2707
DOI:10.1177/0009922812439621