PEDIATRICS Vol. 98 No. 6 December 1996, pp. 1084-1088
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow P3Rs: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when P3Rs are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My File Cabinet
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Safer, D. J.
Right arrow Articles by Fine, E. M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Safer, D. J.
Right arrow Articles by Fine, E. M.

Increased Methylphenidate Usage for Attention Deficit Disorder in the 1990s

Daniel J. Safer MD1, Julie M. Zito PhD2, and Eric M. Fine MD, MPH3

1 The Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Baltimore County Health Department, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.
2 The Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.
3 The Baltimore County Health Department, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.

Objective. To estimate the increased use and the prevalence of methylphenidate (Ritalin) treatment of youth with attention deficit disorder (ADD) during the 1990s.

Design. Using time-trend findings from two large population-based data sources, three pharmaceutical databases, and one physician audit, a best-fit estimate of the usage and the usage trends for methylphenidate treatment over the half decade from 1990 through 1995 was sought.

Setting. Five regions in the United States (US) and the nation as a whole.

Patients. Youths on record as receiving methylphenidate for ADD.

Results. The findings from regional and national databases indicate that on average, there has been a 2.5-fold increase in the prevalence of methylphenidate treatment of youths with ADD between 1990 and 1995. In all, approximately 2.8% (or 1.5 million) of US youths aged 5 to 18 were receiving this medication in mid-1995. The increase in methylphenidate treatment for ADD appears largely related to an increased duration of treatment; more girls, adolescents, and inattentive youths on the medication; and a recently improved public image of this medication treatment.

Conclusion. The database findings presented serve to correct exaggerated media claims of a 6-fold expansion of methylphenidate treatment, although they do not clarify the issue of the appropriateness of this treatment.

Key Words: attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity • methylphenidate • pharmacoepidemiology

Submitted on December 27, 1995
Accepted on March 19, 1996




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 FocusHome page
E. Parens and J. Johnston
Understanding the Agreements and Controversies Surrounding Childhood Psychopharmacology
Focus, June 1, 2008; 6(3): 322 - 330.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
S. E. McCabe
Screening for Drug Abuse Among Medical and Nonmedical Users of Prescription Drugs in a Probability Sample of College Students
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, March 1, 2008; 162(3): 225 - 231.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Atten DisordHome page
M. J. Sciutto and M. Eisenberg
Evaluating the Evidence For and Against the Overdiagnosis of ADHD
J Atten Disord, September 1, 2007; 11(2): 106 - 113.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J Pediatr PsycholHome page
L. K. Leslie and M. L. Wolraich
ADHD Service Use Patterns in Youth
J. Pediatr. Psychol., July 1, 2007; 32(6): 695 - 710.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CMAJHome page
L. A. Strohschein
Prevalence of methylphenidate use among Canadian children following parental divorce
Can. Med. Assoc. J., June 5, 2007; 176(12): 1711 - 1714.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Health Aff (Millwood)Home page
R. M. Scheffler, S. P. Hinshaw, S. Modrek, and P. Levine
The Global Market For ADHD Medications
Health Aff., March 1, 2007; 26(2): 450 - 457.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Atten DisordHome page
H. Schubiner, B. Hassunizadeh, and R. Kaczynski
A controlled study of autonomic nervous system function in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medications: results of a pilot study.
J Atten Disord, November 1, 2006; 10(2): 205 - 211.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Qual Health ResHome page
D. L. Hansen and E. H. Hansen
Caught in a Balancing Act: Parents' Dilemmas Regarding Their ADHD Child's Treatment With Stimulant Medication.
Qual Health Res, November 1, 2006; 16(9): 1267 - 1285.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
P. J. Landrigan, L. Trasande, L. E. Thorpe, C. Gwynn, P. J. Lioy, M. E. D'Alton, H. S. Lipkind, J. Swanson, P. D. Wadhwa, E. B. Clark, et al.
The National Children's Study: A 21-Year Prospective Study of 100 000 American Children
Pediatrics, November 1, 2006; 118(5): 2173 - 2186.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Clinical Child Psychology and PsychiatryHome page
W. W. Tryon, G. S. Tryon, T. Kazlausky, W. Gruen, and J. M. Swanson
Reducing hyperactivity with a feedback actigraph: initial findings.
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, October 1, 2006; 11(4): 607 - 617.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 JCOHome page
E. Bruera, V. Valero, L. Driver, L. Shen, J. Willey, T. Zhang, and J. L. Palmer
Patient-Controlled Methylphenidate for Cancer Fatigue: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
J. Clin. Oncol., May 1, 2006; 24(13): 2073 - 2078.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Psychiatr. Serv.Home page
C. P. Thomas, P. Conrad, R. Casler, and E. Goodman
Trends in the Use of Psychotropic Medications Among Adolescents, 1994 to 2001
Psychiatr Serv, January 1, 2006; 57(1): 63 - 69.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 FocusHome page
L. L. Greenhill, S. Pliszka, M. K. Dulcan, W. Bernet, V. Arnold, J. Beitchman, R. S. Benson, O. Bukstein, J. Kinlan, J. McClellan, et al.
Practice Parameter for the Use of Stimulant Medications in the Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Focus, October 1, 2004; 2(4): 642 - 668.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Behav ModifHome page
S. W. Evans, J. Axelrod, and J. M. Langberg
Efficacy of a School-Based Treatment Program for Middle School Youth With ADHD: Pilot Data
Behav Modif, July 1, 2004; 28(4): 528 - 547.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
J. L. Rushton, K. E. Fant, and S. J. Clark
Use of Practice Guidelines in the Primary Care of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Pediatrics, July 1, 2004; 114(1): e23 - e28.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Journal of Disability Policy StudiesHome page
V. H. Sharav
Conflicts of Interest in Biomedical Research Harm Children With and Without Disabilities
Journal of Disability Policy Studies, January 1, 2004; 15(1): 50 - 59.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Psychiatr. Bull.Home page
U. A Doerry and L. Kent
Prescribing practices of community child and adolescent psychiatrists
Psychiatr. Bull., November 1, 2003; 27(11): 407 - 410.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
E. H. Harel and W. D. Brown
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Elementary School Children in Rhode Island: Associated Psychosocial Factors and Medications Used
Clinical Pediatrics, July 1, 2003; 42(6): 497 - 503.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
W. Klein-Schwartz
Pediatric Methylphenidate Exposures: 7-Year Experience of Poison Centers in the United States
Clinical Pediatrics, March 1, 2003; 42(2): 159 - 164.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J Child NeurolHome page
K. Gucuyener, A. K. Erdemoglu, S. Senol, A. Serdaroglu, S. Soysal, and I. Kockar
Use of Methylphenidate for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Patients With Epilepsy or Electroencephalographic Abnormalities
J Child Neurol, February 1, 2003; 18(2): 109 - 112.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
E. R. Cox, B. R. Motheral, R. R. Henderson, and D. Mager
Geographic Variation in the Prevalence of Stimulant Medication Use Among Children 5 to 14 Years Old: Results From a Commercially Insured US Sample
Pediatrics, February 1, 2003; 111(2): 237 - 243.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
J. M. Zito, D. J. Safer, S. dosReis, J. F. Gardner, L. Magder, K. Soeken, M. Boles, F. Lynch, and M. A. Riddle
Psychotropic Practice Patterns for Youth: A 10-Year Perspective
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, January 1, 2003; 157(1): 17 - 25.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
R. A. Barkley, M. Fischer, L. Smallish, and K. Fletcher
Does the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With Stimulants Contribute to Drug Use/Abuse? A 13-Year Prospective Study
Pediatrics, January 1, 2003; 111(1): 97 - 109.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
D. A. Kube, M. C. Petersen, and F. B. Palmer
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Comorbidity and Medication Use
Clinical Pediatrics, September 1, 2002; 41(7): 461 - 469.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 CMAJHome page
C. Poulin
Adolescent stimulant use
Can. Med. Assoc. J., July 1, 2002; 167(1): 15 - 16.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
E. Chan, C. Zhan, and C. J. Homer
Health Care Use and Costs for Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: National Estimates From the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, May 1, 2002; 156(5): 504 - 511.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
J. Guevara, P. Lozano, T. Wickizer, L. Mell, and H. Gephart
Psychotropic Medication Use in a Population of Children Who Have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Pediatrics, May 1, 2002; 109(5): 733 - 739.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
J. M. Landgraf, M. Rich, and L. Rappaport
Measuring Quality of Life in Children With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Their Families: Development and Evaluation of a New Tool
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, April 1, 2002; 156(4): 384 - 391.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CMAJHome page
A. R. Miller, C. E. Lalonde, K. M. McGrail, and R. W. Armstrong
Prescription of methylphenidate to children and youth, 1990-1996
Can. Med. Assoc. J., November 1, 2001; 165(11): 1489 - 1494.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CMAJHome page
C. Poulin
Medical and nonmedical stimulant use among adolescents: from sanctioned to unsanctioned use
Can. Med. Assoc. J., October 1, 2001; 165(8): 1039 - 1044.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
B. Vitiello
Psychopharmacology for Young Children: Clinical Needs and Research Opportunities
Pediatrics, October 1, 2001; 108(4): 983 - 989.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
E. Schirm, H. Tobi, J. M. Zito, and L. T. W. de Jong-van den Berg
Psychotropic Medication in Children: A Study From The Netherlands
Pediatrics, August 1, 2001; 108 (2): e25 - e25.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
J. L. Rushton and J. T. Whitmire
Pediatric Stimulant and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Prescription Trends: 1992 to 1998
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, May 1, 2001; 155(5): 560 - 565.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Atten DisordHome page
S. Goldstein and D. Turner
The extent of drug therapy for ADHD among children in a large public school district
J Atten Disord, April 1, 2001; 4(4): 212 - 219.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Journal of Emotional and Behavioral DisordersHome page
J. Sprafkin, K. D. Gadow, and E. E. Nolan
The Utility of a DSM-IV-Referenced Screening Instrument for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, January 1, 2001; 9(3): 182 - 191.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
D. J. Safer and M. Malever
Stimulant Treatment in Maryland Public Schools
Pediatrics, September 1, 2000; 106(3): 533 - 539.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 J Atten DisordHome page
R. A. Barkley, D. F. Connor, and D. Kwasnik
Challenges to determining adolescent medication response in an outpatient clinical setting: Comparing Adderal and methylphenidate for ADHD
J Atten Disord, August 1, 2000; 4(2): 102 - 113.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
Committee on Quality Improvement, Subcommittee on
Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Child With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Pediatrics, May 1, 2000; 105(5): 1158 - 1170.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social ScienceHome page
A. T. ADAMS
The Status of School Discipline and Violence
The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, January 1, 2000; 567(1): 140 - 156.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
The MTA Cooperative Group
A 14-Month Randomized Clinical Trial of Treatment Strategies for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Arch Gen Psychiatry, December 1, 1999; 56(12): 1073 - 1086.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
M. L. Wolraich
The Difference Between Efficacy and Effectiveness Research in Studying Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, December 1, 1999; 153(12): 1220 - 1221.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
M. D. Rappley, P. B. Mullan, F. J. Alvarez, I. U. Eneli, J. Wang, and J. C. Gardiner
Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Use of Psychotropic Medication in Very Young Children
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, October 1, 1999; 153(10): 1039 - 1045.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 CLIN PEDIATRHome page
L. M. Robison, D. A. Sclar, T. L. Skaer, and R. S. Galin
National Trends in the Prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Prescribing of Methylphenidate among School-Age Children: 1990-1995
Clinical Pediatrics, May 1, 1999; 38(4): 209 - 217.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J Atten DisordHome page
M. T. Sloan, P. Jensen, and L. Kettle
Assessing the services for children with ADHD: Gaps and opportunities
J Atten Disord, April 1, 1999; 3(1): 13 - 29.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
R. C. Wasserman, K. J. Kelleher, A. Bocian, A. Baker, G. E. Childs, F. Indacochea, C. Stulp, and W. P. Gardner
Identification of Attentional and Hyperactivity Problems in Primary Care: A Report From Pediatric Research in Office Settings and the Ambulatory Sentinel Practice Network
Pediatrics, March 1, 1999; 103(3): 38e - 38.
[Abstract] [Full Text]

Home page
 NEJMHome page
A. J. Zametkin and M. Ernst
Problems in the Management of Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
N. Engl. J. Med., January 7, 1999; 340(1): 40 - 46.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Journal of Emotional and Behavioral DisordersHome page
B. Prosser and R. Reid
Psychostimulant Use for Children with ADHD in Australia
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, January 1, 1999; 7(2): 110 - 117.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Pediatr. Rev.Home page
K. J. Miller and F. X. Castellanos
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders
Pediatr. Rev., November 1, 1998; 19(11): 373 - 384.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 JAMAHome page
L. S. Goldman, M. Genel, R. J. Bezman, P. J. Slanetz, and for the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Me
Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents
JAMA, April 8, 1998; 279(14): 1100 - 1107.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
T. G. Ferris, D. Saglam, R. S. Stafford, N. Causino, B. Starfield, L. Culpepper, and D. Blumenthal
Changes in the Daily Practice of Primary Care for Children
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, March 1, 1998; 152(3): 227 - 233.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J PsychopharmacolHome page
E. J. Garland
Reviews : Pharmacotherapy of adolescent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: challenges, choices and caveats
J Psychopharmacol, January 1, 1998; 12(4): 385 - 395.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 PediatricsHome page
L. Diller, R. Morrow;, D. J. Safer, J. M. Zito, and E. M. Fine
The Case of the Missing Methylphenidate
Pediatrics, October 1, 1997; 100(4): 730 - 730.
[Full Text] [PDF]