Challenges in Providing Evidence-based Care to Children with ADHD

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental health condition among young children and because of this it is essential that families have access to and utilize high quality, evidence-based care. Thus it is critical to have an understanding of the factors that promote and impede the provision and utilization of evidence-based care.

In this presentation, we will present the findings from a study supported by the New York State Department of Health and conducted by Health Systems Research, Inc., that examined factors influencing the provision of evidence-based care. These findings are particularly interesting in that the study included the perspectives of a range of health care providers and the parents of children diagnosed with ADHD, including a group of immigrants whose primary language is Spanish.

The challenges to providing evidence-based care included: limited access to mental health professionals in some parts of the State; a lack of awareness among primary care physicians (PCPs) about where and how to access mental health providers; a tendency among some PCPs to focus exclusively on medication as a strategy for treating ADHD; and a lack of coordination and communication among PCPs and mental health providers working in school and community settings. Many parents expressed ambivalence about medicating their children and a need for additional support beyond medication, but had trouble obtaining this because the system of care is fragmented. A number of recommendations will be provided for increasing access to evidence-based care for children with ADHD.