ADHD prevalence rates vary substantially across and within states. Southeastern Virginia has been identified as the region with the highest documented rate of ADHD drug treatment. The purpose of this presentation is to describe results of a series of studies conducted in this region.
Data were gathered from three sources: 1) school nurse records for elementary students enrolled in District A and District B, 2) parent and teacher surveys for students enrolled in 3 elementary schools in District C , and 3) surveys from primary care and mental health providers treating students in these districts.
Objective school nurse records and parent report indicated that 8%-10% of elementary students received medication in school for ADHD. Parent report indicated that the number of students diagnosed and treated for ADHD was twice as high as the number of students receiving medication in school. Parents were divided with respect to whether or not they felt ADHD medication had been helpful to their children. Teacher survey data confirmed the high prevalence rates and also revealed that teachers held some significant misconceptions about ADHD. Provider perception was that most children did not receive comprehensive ADHD evaluations.
Professionals in the region responded to these findings by forming a school health coalition (SHINE: School Health Initiative for Education) to improve the diagnosis and treatment of students with ADHD and related behavior problems. Health care providers, school representatives, and other community members are working together to address ADHD from a public health perspective with an emphasis on school/provider communication.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe variation in ADHD prevalence rates. 2. Understand issues unique to a community with a high ADHD prevalence rate. 3. Discuss public health interventinos to improve the health and education of students with ADHD and related behavior problems
Keywords: Mental Health, School Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.