State-based and demographic variation in parent-reported medication rates for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, 2007-2008

Prev Chronic Dis. 2013:10:E09. doi: 10.5888/pcd9.120073.

Abstract

Medication is the most effective treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. We used data from the 2007-2008 National Survey of Children's Health to calculate weighted estimates of parent-reported ADHD and medication treatment among US children aged 4 to 17 years, by state and sex-stratified age. State-based rates of ADHD medication treatment ranged from 33% in Nevada to 79% in Mississippi; rates of medicated ADHD were higher among boys than girls at every age. State-based investigations of ADHD medication treatment factors are needed, and our findings may inform these public health efforts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child Welfare*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Utilization Review / statistics & numerical data*
  • Drug Utilization Review / trends
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Sex Distribution
  • United States / epidemiology