Publicity surrounding the increased prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the psychotropic medications used for the treatment of ADHD has been prominent in recent years. This presentation will show how age, gender, race, geographic locale and health service system may influence the use patterns.
Data sources include youths aged <20 years old in Medicaid populations from two states (MCD-1 and MCD-2) and a salaried group model HMO (HMO) for a 10-year period (1987-1996). The data were analyzed for total stimulant prevalence; age, gender and race-specific prevalence; and time trends for changes in use during the 10-year period.
The 1996 data show a stimulant prevalence among 5-14 year olds of 6.9% (MCD-1), 8.0% (MCD-2) and 4.1% (HMO. There was substantial variation in stimulant use depending on age, gender, race, geographic locale and health system. A pronounced Caucasian-to-African American racial disparity was observed in the Medicaid populations.
These findings support marketing trend data that more youths are being treated with stimulants in the 1990s than previously. The data provoke concerns in several areas regarding: 1) increased duration of use and preschooler initiation of treatment because long-term safety data are generally lacking; 2) variation in rates based on racial, geographic and health system factors need clarification; and 3) the lack of information regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of stimulants for this expanded population in the usual clinical practice setting.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe national trends in stimulant treatment for ADHD. 2. Discuss increased use of stimulants in preschool populations. 3. Describe the need for research on the effectiveness of stimulants in expanded settings
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.