A Review of Predictors of Psychosocial Service Utilization in Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. Professional practice guidelines recommend combined treatment, psychopharmacological and psychosocial, for youth with ADHD. There have been multiple reviews of pharmacological prescription practices and utilization, however, less is known about predictors of ADHD psychosocial service utilization. Given the importance of accessing psychosocial treatment in relation to improving functional impairment, this review synthesizes evidence on predictors of ADHD psychosocial intervention utilization in clinic, community, and school settings. Eighteen studies were identified and included in the review. Findings are summarized across informant profile factors, predisposing characteristics, and barriers and facilitators. The most robust findings were for the impact of symptom severity/impairment, the presence of comorbidities, and age on ADHD psychosocial service utilization. Race/ethnicity, sex, parental knowledge of the disorder and insurance coverage were also identified as key factors. Future avenues of research are provided, and clinical and policy implications targeted at reducing psychosocial treatment disparities in youth with ADHD are discussed.