The management of patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder by family practitioners.

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to describe the practices of family practitioners in Missouri in the treatment of patients with ADHD.

METHOD

The 634 Diplomats of the American Board of Family Practice of Missouri were surveyed.

RESULTS

Respondents considered stimulant medication to be effective treatment for ADHD; methylphenidate was the drug of choice. Most respondents (79%) reported recommending behavioral management to parents. Reported efficacy of stimulants (item 2) and use of behavior management (item 8) were related in the negative direction, while reported efficacy of stimulants and using stimulants alone (item 13) were related in the positive direction.

CONCLUSIONS

Family practitioners in Missouri used accepted treatments for ADHD, but in general, practices were not entirely consistent with the current standard of care. Physicians' belief in the efficacy of stimulants may have prejudiced them against multimodal treatment.