Psychiatric Diagnosis And Concomitant Medical Treatment For 1st And 2nd Grade Children

This study examined the proportion of children in 1st and 2nd grade classes who were currently prescribed medication for psychotropic disorders. The study also examined the attitudes of 1st and 2nd grade teachers toward diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and use of psychiatric medication to treat children. Results of the current study indicate that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was by far the most prevalent psychiatric disorder (80%) occurring in children in first and second grade. In the current study, approximately 5.6% (172) of the children in the sample were identified as taking one or more psychiatric medications, with 6.9 % of those treated with medication receiving multiple medications. The most prevalent medication being used was stimulants (72.5%) alone or in combination with other medications. Finally, results from the current study revealed that teachers believed medication improved the behavior and learning ability and academic achievement of children in the classroom. These beliefs may result in teacher's acceptance and promotion of treatment with medication.