Mothers' and children's perceptions of medication for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

This study assessed the perceptions about medication held by mothers and children with ADHD. Thirty-one mother-child dyads completed questionnaires assessing their knowledge and perceptions of stimulant medication and their level of perceived side effects associated with taking medication for ADHD. Mothers tended to view their children's medication as more beneficial than did their children. Mothers also demonstrated significantly more knowledge about their children's medication. Implications are drawn for research and clinical education of children and parents about medication for ADHD.