Interventions of interest:

  • Parent behavior training
  • School-based interventions
  • Stimulants
  • Non-stimulants

Diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have risen in recent years, and ADHD is now regarded to be a common condition among children in the United States. While reported prevalence ranges widely between 6-16% depending on location and measurement technique, it has been estimated that ADHD affects at least 5 million children aged 4-17 years in the U.S. Given the substantial burden of ADHD for children and their families, as well as the significant longterm implications that a diagnosis of ADHD carries, there is significant interest on the part of patients, clinicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders in exploring different management options for ADHD.

The CEPAC votes confirmed the strength of evidence supporting parent behavior training in preschoolers and methylphenidate as first-line treatment for most school-age children receiving medication.

Date of review: June 2012

For questions or additional information, please contact info@icer.org

Final Documents

Below you will find the final documents from the assessment review process:

Final Evidence Report and Meeting SummaryDownload

ICER’s President Steve Pearson, MD, MSc stated:

“In the backdrop of increasing rates of diagnosis of ADHD among U.S. children, these meeting results will help parents, clinicians, and insurers interpret and use the best available evidence on appropriate treatment. Ultimately, CEPAC made judgments about the evidence and highlighted key action steps to support evidence-based clinical decisions and insurance policies that can improve outcomes for children with ADHD.”