Parents More Likely To Modify ADHD Medication Over Summer, Despite Results Showing Treatment Helps Beyond School USA

Main Category: ADHD
Article Date: 10 Jun 2004 - 8:00 PDT

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Nearly half of parents (46 percent) of kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) said they planned to reduce or eliminate their children's ADHD medication this summer, even though nearly 80 percent agreed that a child's time outside school is helped with treatment, according to a new survey by Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY).

"Discontinuing medication during summer is not typically advised," says Samantha Bostrom, M.D., a Salt Lake City pediatrician with a specialty in ADHD. "Beyond school, kids with ADHD need help controlling their symptoms, which can aid their participation in extracurricular activities and their relations with family and peers."

Children with ADHD are often more comfortable with the structure and routine of school and may become anxious or restless during the summer, which can lead to impulsive behaviors.

According to the survey, 31 percent of parents have switched their child's medication during previous school holidays, and more were satisfied

compared to parents who reduced or eliminated medication.

"Without the pressure of school, parents can use the long summer break as an opportunity to try a different medication regimen if unsatisfied with what their child's currently taking," Bostrom said.

ADHD.com

Beyond medication decisions, parents face many other issues when trying to plan an enjoyable summer for children with ADHD. A new Internet resource www.ADHD.com, sponsored by Lilly, offers parents a unique tool to help make the most of the summer for the entire family. Topics on the site include:

-- Setting summer goals
-- Creating an active environment at home
-- Key tips for a safe and successful family summer
-- Assessing medication options
-- Choosing and preparing for the right camp.

One of the contributors to ADHD.com is John Willson, M.S., a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and director of learning disabilities (LD) and ADHD services at Camp SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized).

"Parents of ADHD kids can benefit from addressing their children's special needs when planning activities outside the structure of the school year," says Willson. "Children with ADHD can be more comfortable with consistency, and parents can help their children by setting goals for the summer and planning fun, structured activities in a nurturing environment."

While half of the survey respondents planned to send their kids to camp or an organized group activity this summer, only 24 percent of them chose the activity based on their children's ADHD needs.

"Experiential programs such as Camp SOAR encourage children to develop problem solving, communication and social skills, as well as increased self-esteem," Willson said. "Participating in wilderness and adventure experiences empowers children to make healthy choices, learn more about themselves, overcome challenges and relate these experiences to other aspects of their lives."

Additional Survey Results

-- 57 percent of parents who would consider a medication switch for their child would be likely to make the switch over summer vacation, vs. 22 percent during winter/spring break and 28 percent during the school year.

-- The majority of respondents agreed that their child's ADHD treatment makes family time together easier (79 percent).

-- 84 percent of respondents who have given their child a "medication holiday" in the past, or plan to do so this summer, say summer vacation is the time to eliminate their child's medication, while 61 percent think winter/spring break is appropriate, and only 27 percent feel it's best to do it during the school year.

-- More than one third of parents (37 percent) are concerned about their child readjusting to school following the summer months.

The survey was conducted in April and May 2004 by telephone with 400 parents of children age 6-17 who are taking a prescription medication for ADHD. International Communications Research conducted the survey on behalf of Eli Lilly and Company. Parents could choose multiple answers for some questions.

About ADHD

ADHD affects 3-7 percent of school-age children and manifests itself in levels of attention, concentration, activity, distractibility, and impulsivity that are inappropriate to the child's age.1 In addition, 60 percent of children with the disorder carry their symptoms into adulthood.2 Experts estimate 4 percent of adults in the United States, more than 8 million people, have ADHD.3,4

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. More information about Lilly is available at http://www.lilly.com.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision, Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.

2. Schweitzer JB, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Med Clin of North Am. 2001; 85(3):757-777.

3. Murphy K, Barkley, RA. J Atten disord. 1996; 1:147-161.

4. United States Census Summary File; 2000.