Summary of Studies Evidence Table

PICO: For children who are 18 and under and diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and taking a prescribed daily stimulant medication, do the benefits outweigh
the side effects for managing behavior compared to children who have chosen to not treat their ADD/ADHD
Group #3
Group Names: Brianna Haley, Danny Saraceno, Jessica Sprouse, Christie Macey, Lexie Mason

Author/
Year
LOE
Prasad et
al, (2013)
LOE 1

Sample

Study
Purpose

Variables

Instruments with
Validity and
Reliability

Results/Statistical
Evidence

Summary/Conclusion

N= 2,110 patients

To determine
the effects of
ADHD drugs
on childrens
behavior and
academic
performance

ADHD drugs and

behavior/academic
performance

None were used for this

study

Stimulant drugs improve

behavior and academic
performance in children with
ADHD

Taking stimulant drugs improves

both classroom behavior and
academic performance in
children with ADHD

N = 165 posters
N = 421 posts
taken from 3 blog
sites

To identify the
concerns of
caregivers
about
medication use
in their
children with
ADD/ADHD

ADD/ADHD drugs and

caregivers

Qualitative frame and

discourse analysis

Mothers view ADD/ADHD at

legitimate medical diagnosis.
They approve of the use of
medications as a form of
treatment. They often review
and analyze health care.

Overall caregivers felt that

medication was most effective in
treating their childs ADD/ADHD.

Ross, et al.
(2015)
LOE: 5

N =46 participants

To develop an
instrument to
identify the
priorities of
caregivers
when
beginning
ADHD
medication for
their child.

ADHD medication and

priorities

Best/worst score with

significance p=<0.05

Care givers main concerns

were about helping the
children become a successful
adult, having a doctor who
addresses caregivers
concerns, and improving
school behavior.

The best/worst scaling method

used in this study can identify
priorities for childrens mental
health treatment and can be
used in further research for family
centered care.

Hoekstra et
al, (2013)
LOE 7

N=485 children

To determine
long term
effectiveness
of stimulant
medications in
children with
ADHD

ADHD medications and

reduction of
symptoms/improved
social functioning

None were used for this

study

Children still taking the

stimulant medication after 8
years did not have a
reduction of symptoms or
improved social functioning to
any extent greater than
children who stopped taking
the medication after 2 years

There is no evidence to show

advantage of medication
treatment beyond 2 years for the
majority of children

WilliamsOrlando &
Achterberg
(2011)
LOE 1

N = 30 parents

To determine
parents
beliefs with a
child
diagnosed with
ADHD.

Parents age and

gender, cultural
backgrounds, severity
of childs diagnosis.
The Kleinmaiss
concept of explanatory
models was used with
16 open ended
questions.

None were used for this

study

67% of parents want lifestyle

and predominantly changes
in the school environment in
order to help facilitate
treatment. While 77% of
parents want to improve selfperceptions as the desired
result from treatment.

The study found that parents saw

their child as gifted and talented
as well as curious. This study
also contributed to cultural
interpretations.

N = 13
pediatricians

The study was

done to see
how

Years of practice, race,

and gender of the
doctor. Pediatricians

None were used for this

study.

85% of the pediatricians selfrated themselves as

confident in managing their

Of the pediatricians used in this

study, multiple factors are the
same between their methods of

Clark &
Lang (2012)
LOE: 5

Chow, S.,
Sciberras,
E.,Gillam;
L.H.,