Socioeconomic Status, Ethnicity, ADHD Symptomology: A Study Investigating the Conditions that Predict Treatment Patterns for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Open Access
Author:
Collins, Alexis
Area of Honors:
Psychology
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Cynthia L Huang Pollock, Thesis Supervisor Rick R Jacobs, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
ADHD Predictors Treatment Ethnicity SES
Abstract:
Objective: To explore what conditions affect the likelihood of children receiving treatment for ADHD. The purpose of this study is to investigate under which conditions a child is less likely to receive treatment, including medication or psychological services, for their ADHD. Methods: A sample of 347 children, all screened for this study as ADHD positive, were administered a battery of neurophysiological tests within the laboratory. Parents were required to complete questionnaires concerning their child’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as a treatment and developmental history form concerning the child participant and immediate family members. Results: Findings demonstrated that white children were significantly more likely than non-white children to have previously received either medication or psychological treatment, despite similar levels of ADHD symptomology. Children who had previously received medication had significantly higher levels of ADHD symptomology and parent ratings of ADHD symptoms than children who had not previously received medication. Conclusion: Overall, this study enhances the understanding of the conditions that predict access to medication and psychological services for children suffering with ADHD
