Racial-Ethnic Differences in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment During Adolescence and Early Adulthood
What is it about?
Previous research has shown that people from racially and ethnically minoritized groups often face barriers to receiving ADHD diagnoses and treatments. In this study, we used data from national US commercial health insurance claims to study racial-ethnic differences in rates of ADHD diagnoses and treatments during adolescence and young adulthood. We found that Asian, Black, and Hispanic adolescents and young adults were less likely than White adolescents and young adults to have healthcare visits for ADHD diagnoses. In addition, Asian, Black, and Hispanic adolescents and young adults with ADHD diagnoses were slightly less likely than their White peers to receive treatment in the form of either ADHD medication or psychosocial therapy.
Why is it important?
Our findings suggest that youths from racially and ethnically minoritized groups may be less likely to receive ADHD care during the transition to adulthood. This is concerning because adolescents and young adults with untreated ADHD symptoms experience serious challenges and are at increased risk for negative health outcomes. More research is needed to better understand the processes that lead to racial-ethnic differences in ADHD treatment, as well as the best ways to support racially and ethnically minoritized adolescents and young adults with ADHD.