This dataset is the result of an investigation of caregivers’ management and treatment preferences for their ADHD child. From January 2013 through March 2015 a total of 184 caregivers of children 4 to 14 years of age were recruited from primary care, pediatric outpatient clinics, and support organizations in Maryland. The study explored caregiver variability and priorities when considering medication, change in management options over time, and preference for different treatment attributes. Data were collected using Best-Worst scaling and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS). This dataset consists of caregiver and child demographic information, child diagnoses and treatment characteristics data, and caregiver preferences with regard to medication and observed and desired improvements in their child’s ADHD.

This dataset is the result of continued analysis of data collected from qualified, semistructured telephone interviews of 48 caregivers of newly diagnosed children. The initial evaluation of interview results focused on their early views of ADHD treatment and the decision to initiate and continue medication for their child (see “Related Datasets” below”). This study concentrated on how caregivers and their children experience mental health stigma. Responses were classified into 6 categories: a) concerns with labeling, b) feelings of social isolation and rejection, c) perceptions of a dismissive society, d) influence of negative public views, e) exposure to negative media and, f) mistrust of medical assessments. The dataset includes demographic, family history of psychiatric illness, comorbid diagnoses, characteristics associated with stigmatizing experiences, and transcripts of initial, 6, and 12 month follow-up interviews.

This study investigated the relationship between caregivers’ early views of ADHD treatment and the decision to initiate and continue medication for their child. 48 caregivers of newly diagnosed children participated in qualitative, semistructured telephone interviews with 6 and 12 month follow-ups. Analysis of the initial interview responses revealed 4 categories associated with caregiver perspectives: a) illness oriented, b) problem oriented, c) generally acceptable and, d) unacceptable. This dataset includes demographic information, family history of psychiatric illness, comorbid diagnoses, use of medication, and transcripts of initial, 6 month, and 12 month follow-up interviews.

247 caregivers of a child diagnosed with ADHD completed a survey to assess their attitude and level of satisfaction with their child’s stimulant treatment. The participants were recruited from six pediatric facilities associated with a large health maintenance organization (HMO). Eligibility requirements included: a) the child was under 20 years of age, b) had taken ADHD medication within the last 12 months and, c) the primary caregiver knew the type of stimulant prescribed. The 47 item self-administered Attitudes, Satisfaction, Knowledge, and Medication Experiences (ASK-ME) survey is comprised of 5 sections: medication treatment characteristics, knowledge assessment, attitude and satisfaction scales, and demographic characteristics.

This dataset consists of survey responses from 57 African American parents/caregivers whose child was receiving care for ADHD in a university-affiliated pediatric primary care unit. The 47 item questionnaire entitled Attitudes, Satisfaction, Knowledge, and Medication Experiences (ASK-ME) was developed by the primary author to assess views of stimulant medication for ADHD. In addition to demographic information, the dataset includes treatment characteristics, whether or not the child received counseling, and responses to 7 items specifically related to attitude toward medication. A copy of the survey is available from Dr. Susan dosReis upon request.