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School-Based Administration of ADHD Drugs Decline, Along With Diversion, Theft, and Misuse

Robert L. DuPont, MD, is President of the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., Rockville, MD

Richard H. Bucher, PhD

Richard H. Bucher, PhD, serves on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., Rockville, MD

Bonnie B. Wilford, MS

Bonnie B. Wilford, MS, is Director of the Center for Health Services & Outcomes Research, JBS International, Inc., Silver Spring, MD

John J. Coleman, PhD

John J. Coleman, PhD, is President of the Prescription Drug Research Center LLC, George Mason University Enterprise Center, Fair-fax, VA

Since 2000 researchers have reported a decline in the administration of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications given by school nurses, although no decline has been noted in the incidence of ADHD in school-age populations. Government data for the same period show reduced levels of methylphenidate abuse as measured by its involvement in hospital emergency department (ED) admissions. Offsetting this, however, is an increase in the involvement of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine in hospital ED admissions for the same period. Because ADHD medications are often administered in the school setting, a survey of school nurses was undertaken to identify factors related to the administration as well as to the diversion, theft, and misuse of ADHD medications. Of 311 school nurses responding, 295 (95%) reported a significant or moderate decline between 2002 and 2004 in the need for school-based administration of ADHD medications. Respondents also reported reductions in diversion, theft, and misuse of ADHD drugs.

Key Words: attention-deficit • hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) • amphetamine-dextroamphetamine • drug diversion • methylphenidate • prescription drug abuse • Ritalin

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 23, No. 6, 349-352 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/10598405070230060801


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