Title
Stimulant use under a prison treatment protocol for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Psychiatry; Center for Mental Health Services Research; Center for Health Policy and Research
Date
7-2011
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; therapy; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Prisons
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and Psychology
Abstract
Although stimulant medications are the mainstay of effective intervention for attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), their use presents a daunting scenario for psychiatry, nursing, and custody staff in correctional settings, where reported prevalence rates range from 9% to 45%. The reported rates, however, may overestimate actual prevalence in general and need for treatment in particular. Under a monitored protocol that required documentation of history, diagnosis, lack of response to nonstimulant treatment, and significant functional impairment, less than 1% of male inmates in the Massachusetts state prison system met criteria for treatment with stimulants. Although this protocol did not attempt to determine overall ADHD prevalence rates, the relatively low number of inmates with compelling reasons for stimulant treatment may provide a more realistic idea of the likely consequences of allowing access to this intervention.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: J Correct Health Care. 2011 Jul;17(3):218-25. doi: 10.1177/1078345811401356. Link to article on publisher's site