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Parental preferences linked to ADHD medication initiation
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment initiation is associated with parental treatment preferences, according to recent study findings published in Pediatrics.
“This study demonstrates the association between parental preferences and goals, as measured by the ADHD [Preference and Goal Instrument], and subsequent ADHD treatment receipt,” Alexander G. Fiks, MD, MSCE, of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and colleagues wrote. “Results suggest that assessing parents’ preferences and goals, as prioritized in the AAP ADHD treatment guidelines is useful for clinicians in understanding which treatment, if any, parents are likely to initiate for their children.”
The study included 148 parents/guardians of children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD in the past 18 months not receiving medication and behavior therapy.
Researchers found that treatment initiation was associated with baseline medication (OR=2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-5.5) and behavior therapy (OR=2.2; 95% CI, 1.0-5.1). Academic achievement goals were also associated with medication initiation (OR=2.1; 95% CI, 1.3-3.4). Behavioral compliance goals were associated with initiation of behavior therapy (OR=1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4).
“Although these results are preliminary and require confirmation, they also suggest that, at least for achieving academic and behavioral goals, treatment initiation may be more important than the specific treatment selected in helping parents address their goals for their children,” researchers wrote. “Overall, these findings support a process of [shared decision-making] as a strategy to pair parents and children with treatment they are likely to begin to achieve goals that are salient for the family.”
Disclosure: The study was funded in part by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the NIH.
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