Factors Associated with Parental Treatment Attitudes and Information-Seeking Behaviors for Childhood ADHD

Objective: Despite the association between childhood ADHD and long-term negative outcomes, there is a significant delay to treatment and a low rate of lifetime treatment contact for individuals with ADHD. Method: The current study examined (a) variables associated with parental treatment-seeking attitudes and information-seeking behaviors and (b) the relationship between these attitudes and behaviors in 87 non–treatment-seeking parents whose children had elevated ADHD symptoms. Results: Regressions indicated that attitudes toward ADHD treatment were associated with ADHD knowledge and misconceptions (ps < .01), susceptibility to ADHD stigma (p < .001), and satisfaction with past providers (ps < .01). Experience with past providers was significantly associated with information-seeking behavior (ps < .01). Conclusion: Parental knowledge of ADHD, low levels of stigma, and positive experiences with past providers were the strongest predictors of positive attitudes about ADHD treatment. Experience with past providers was the only factor related to treatment-seeking behavior. These results offer avenues to decreasing barriers to treatment in pediatric ADHD.