The extent of drug therapy for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder among children in public schools

G.B. LeFever, K.V. Dawson and A.L. Morrow

American Journal of Public Health, 1999, vol. 89, issue 9, 1359-1364

Abstract: Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of medication use for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in southeastern Virginia. Methods. Students enrolled in grades 2 trough 5 in school districts in city A (n = 5767 students)and city B (n = 23 967 students) were included. Nurses recorded students who received ADHD medication in school. Results. The proportion of students receiving ADHD medication was similar in both cities (8% and 10%) and was 2 to 3 times as high as the expected rate of ADHD. Receipt of drug therapy was associated with social and educational characteristics. Medication was used by 3 times as many boys as girls and by twice as many Whites as Blacks. Medication use increased with years in school, and by fifth grade 18% to 20% of White boys were receiving ADHD medication. Being young for one's grade was positively associated with medication use (P

Date: 1999
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1999:89:9:1359-1364_7

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