VDM Verlag Psychology and Alternative Therapies for Childhood ADHD: Psychologists Knowledge and Perceptions of the Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Therapy for Children with ADHD

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for mental health concerns, has dramatically increased in adult, adolescent, and pediatric populations over the past decade. Professional as well as popular literature identifies a strong trend towards the widespread use of CAM for children with ADHD by parents and medical providers. Ninety-two psychologists completed a survey assessing familiarity, perceptions, and practices of CAM interventions used for childhood ADHD. Most psychologists obtain information on CAM from sources within the field and are not familiar with the majority of interventions. Knowledge of efficacy is fairly accurate, although, there appears to be some pessimism for interventions where there is minimal research. The majority of psychologists do not use CAM interventions for childhood ADHD and do not vary in their beliefs about the etiology of childhood ADHD. Demographic variables were not related to awareness, knowledge, and practice of using these interventions. The implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.