Public perceptions of adult ADHD: Indications of stigma?

Godfrey, Emmet; Fuermaier, Anselm B. M.; Tucha, Lara; Butzbach, Marah; Weisbrod, Matthias; Aschenbrenner, Steffen; Tucha, Oliver

doi:10.1007/s00702-020-02279-8

Cited by 11 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Adults suffering from ADHD are often labeled as infantile and socially objectionable, in this form, public stigma breeds self-stigma in those with ADHD and in order to avoid peer-rejection, sufferers prefer to conceal symptoms [29,30]. Additionally, this view of ADHD symptoms being a character flaw or weakness contributes to an overall negative self-image and encourages individuals to increase social withdrawal [30].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Stigmatization ultimately prevents ADHD sufferers from receiving treatment and allowing for mild symptoms to develop into severe psychiatric disabilities impacting social functioning [29,30]. In those who do seek medical treatment for ADHD, they are also susceptible to stigmatization and public mistrust of the medications available to them, specifically stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Regional disparities in prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution across the United States in 2019

Lopera

O'Kane

Goldhirsh

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Introduction: Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant and controlled substance that has detrimental health consequences for chronic users. Amphetamine is a structurally-related stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD, however, it also has a high risk for substance misuse. The objectives of this report were to characterize the regional differences in prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution in the US, and examine potential reasons for variations in distribution. Methods: Data for prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution was obtained from the US Drug Enforcement Administrations Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) Retail Drug Summary Report for 2019. Quarterly, state, and regional differences in distributions of the two controlled substances were analyzed and. Results: The preponderance (97%) of retail drug distribution for both drugs in 2019 were made through pharmacies. In the same year, prescription methamphetamine (+6.8%) and amphetamine (+5.8%) saw increases in drug distribution from Quarter 1 to Quarter 4.. Across the entire US, total per capita drug weight distribution of amphetamine was exactly 4,000 times higher than methamphetamine. Regionally, total per capita drug weight for methamphetamine was highest in the West (32.2% of total distribution) and lowest in the Northeast (17.4%). The total per capita drug weight for amphetamine was highest in the South (37.0% of total distribution) and lowest in the Northeast (19.4%). The ratio between the 90th and 10th percentiles of per capita drug weight by state was 4.39 for methamphetamine and 2.45 for amphetamine. Distribution of methamphetamine only measured 16.1% of its production quota, while distribution of amphetamine measured 54.0% of its production quota. Discussion: Overall, prescription amphetamine distribution was common while prescription methamphetamine distribution was rare. Regional disparities were also present with lowest distribution of both substances in the Northeast region. The patterns observed in distribution are likely the result of stigmatization, differences in accessibility, and the efforts of initiatives such as the Montana Meth Project. This cycle will likely also change in response to physician recommendation and public opinions surrounding issues for pharmacotherapies for ADHD management.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional disparities in prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution across the United States in 2019

Lopera

O'Kane

Goldhirsh

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Secondly, there is a reluctance among carers to seek help for what is often attributed to a ‘chaotic upbringing’ (stigma). This is the result of incorrect reverse inference – while childhood neglect can be a risk factor for ADHD, not all those with ADHD have suffered childhood neglect 13 . Thirdly, where there is evidence of childhood neglect, rather than viewing this as a causal risk factor for ADHD, clinicians often fall into the ‘trap of meaning’ 14 .…”

Section: Why Is a Diagnosis Of Adhd Often Missed?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is the result of incorrect reverse inference -while childhood neglect can be a risk factor for ADHD, not all those with ADHD have suffered childhood neglect. 13 Thirdly, where there is evidence of childhood neglect, rather than viewing this as a causal risk factor for ADHD, clinicians often fall into the 'trap of meaning'. 14 Here, the child's behaviour is 'understood' as a consequence of the chaotic/traumatic upbringing, and a diagnosis of ADHD is discounted.…”

Section: Why Is a Diagnosis Of Adhd Often Missed?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment and treatment of ADHD in adults

2022

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“…Adults presenting to their GPs might have developed other complex issues (such as depression or anxiety) due to untreated ADHD in childhood, making it very difficult for GPs to unpick (Newcorn et al, 2007). Adult ADHD can also be somewhat controversial; stigmas around ADHD in adulthood are still strongly present (Godfrey et al, 2020), and beliefs over the continuation of the disorder into adulthood mixed (McGough & Barkley, 2004). Unfortunately, these stigmas are also present in GPs (Gavin & McNicholas, 2018;Salt et al, 2005) and will impact access to care for these patients.…”

Section: The Complexity Of Adhd In Primary Carementioning

confidence: 99%

Awareness of ADHD in primary care

French¹

2019

Preprint

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The proposed research investigates access to care for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within primary care settings by conducting an exploration of awareness and understanding of ADHD in general practitioners (GPs). ADHD is a developmental disorder affecting approximately 5% of children in the United Kingdom (NICE, 2013) with children experiencing strong cognitive, behavioural and physical impairment (Wright et al., 2015, Klasen and Goodman, 2000). ADHD strongly affects the functioning and development of school aged children and often carries on into adulthood. While many evidence based treatments can help manage ADHD, studies have shown that children with ADHD are under diagnosed (Bussing et al., 2003, Sayal et al., 2006a). Although many factors influence service utilisation such as parents and teachers’ perception or comorbid disorders (Sayal et al., 2010a, Sayal et al., 2006b, Sayal et al., 2003), the first port of call in UK healthcare is primary care and GPs who are gatekeepers to secondary care and diagnosis. However, limited recognition by GPs is a primary barrier to diagnosis (Sayal et al., 2006b, Sayal et al., 2015, Sayal et al., 2002) due to the lack of accurate knowledge and understanding of the disorder; scepticism and misconceptions still strongly present in health professionals (Angermeyer and Dietrich, 2006, Throckmorton, 2000) and stigmas towards ADHD potentially at the source of the condition being significantly underdiagnosed (Asherson et al., 2012, Bussing et al., 2003). A recent systematic review (French et al, in press) highlighted three main areas affecting GPs recognition of ADHD; lack of education and awareness, misconceptions and difficulties in communicating with third parties. Understanding the beliefs surrounding the disorder is crucial as it can help facilitate access to care.The proposed study will aim to explore the efficacy of a psychoeducation online program to enhance understanding and awareness of ADHD using a randomised control trial design and interviews. The psychoeducation program is an online e-learning resource, freely accessible with information and link relevant to ADHD. The content was designed by the PI and the CI and the technological part of it was created by the Health E-Learning and Media (HELM) Team at the University of Nottingham. The content and format was also coproduced with a group of local general practitioners and health professionals.

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Public perceptions of adult ADHD: Indications of stigma?

Cited by 11 publications

References 34 publications

Regional disparities in prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution across the United States in 2019

Regional disparities in prescription methamphetamine and amphetamine distribution across the United States in 2019

Assessment and treatment of ADHD in adults

Awareness of ADHD in primary care

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