Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Management by family physicians.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the evaluation and treatment practices of family physicians in regard to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A 20-item survey was developed and mailed to all 940 family and general physicians in Kansas.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Physician practices regarding ADHD.

RESULTS

The 471 respondents (50.1%) included 386 physicians in private clinical practice, who constituted the study group. Ninety-eight percent of these physicians regularly saw children and over half suspected four or more cases of ADHD in the past year. When suspecting ADHD, 43% of the physicians referred for diagnosis and treatment; 30% evaluated and treated by themselves; and 27% referred for evaluation but did follow-up treatment themselves. There was no significant difference in these ratios between rural and urban physicians. Family physicians referred to a pediatric psychiatrist most often, with no apparent difference in referral pattern by community size; 75% indicated they were comfortable with their current referral support. Of the physicians who diagnosed and treated ADHD themselves, only 30.6% routinely ordered laboratory work or other tests, only 28.7% used teacher questionnaires, and only 20.4% used parent questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

An important amount of patient care for ADHD is managed by family physicians, without significant differences between rural and urban practices. Most family physicians are satisfied with their current level of referral support. Physicians who treat ADHD themselves usually rely on clinical evaluation rather than special tests or standardized questionnaires.