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The diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Australian children: current paediatric practice and parent perspective

journal contribution
posted on 2016-04-01, 00:00 authored by D Efron, Emma SciberrasEmma Sciberras, H Hiscock, B Jongeling, Kate LycettKate Lycett, Matt Bisset, G Smith
Aims In a sample of newly diagnosed children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the aims were to examine (1) paediatrician assessment and management practices; (2) previous assessments and interventions; (3) correspondence between parent-report and paediatrician identification of comorbidities; and (4) parent agreement with diagnosis of ADHD. Methods Design: cross-sectional, multi-site practice audit with questionnaires completed by paediatricians and parents at the point of ADHD diagnosis. Setting: private/public paediatric practices in Western Australia and Victoria, Australia. Main outcome measures: paediatricians: elements of assessment and management were indicated on a study-designed data form. Parents: ADHD symptoms and comorbidities were measured using the Conners 3 ADHD Index and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively. Sleep problems, previous assessments and interventions, and agreement with ADHD diagnosis were measured by questionnaire. Results Twenty-four paediatricians participated, providing data on 137 patients (77% men, mean age 8.1 years). Parent and teacher questionnaires were used in 88% and 85% of assessments, respectively. Medication was prescribed in 75% of cases. Comorbidities were commonly diagnosed (70%); however, the proportion of patients identified by paediatricians with internalising problems (18%), externalising problems (15%) and sleep problems (4%) was less than by parent report (51%, 66% and 39%). One in seven parents did not agree with the diagnosis of ADHD. Conclusions Australian paediatric practice in relation to ADHD assessment is generally consistent with best practice guidelines; however, improvements are needed in relation to the routine use of questionnaires and the identification of comorbidities. A proportion of parents do not agree with the diagnosis of ADHD made by their paediatrician.

History

Journal

Journal of paediatrics and child health

Volume

52

Issue

4

Pagination

410 - 416

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing

Location

Chichester, Eng.

ISSN

1034-4810

eISSN

1440-1754

Language

eng.

Publication classification

C Journal article; C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2016, The Authors