Abstract
The objectives of this study are to: (1) quantify the difference in the annual number of prescription medications (total and unique) between children and adolescents with ADHD and those without ADHD; and (2) identify the most prescribed medication classes and unique medications among children and adolescents with ADHD. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed using data from the 2015 and 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The study sample comprised children and adolescents (5-17 years). In the 5-12-year age group, those with ADHD were 2.4%, 17%, and 15% significantly more likely to have one, 2-4, and >= 5 prescription medications, respectively. Similarly, those in the 13-17-year age group were more likely to have one prescription medication (3%), 2-4 prescription medications (15%), and >= 5 prescription medications (12%) than those without ADHD. The most prescribed medications among children and adolescents with ADHD were methylphenidate and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. ADHD was associated with both higher annual total and unique prescription medications. Additionally, concurrent use of prescription medications was more prevalent among children and adolescents with ADHD. High-quality randomized clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of combinations of multiple psychotherapeutics and stimulants' agents are required to guide the evidence-based practices.