Factors Associated with Mental Health Service Use Among Children with ADHD from Adolescence to Early Adulthood

Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common and is associated with lifelong adverse outcomes. Little is known about factors associated with mental health service use (MHSU) among children with ADHD from adolescence to early adulthood. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate factors associated with MHSU among children with ADHD from adolescence to early adulthood using secondary data from Waves I to III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 554). Multivariable Poisson regression and Generalized Estimating Equation were used to estimate adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. Results indicate that factors significantly associated with MHSU from adolescence to early adulthood included race/ethnicity, a routine physical exam last year, and a history of suicidal ideation or attempt. Findings of the study extend the current understanding by identifying predictors and barriers for MHSU and inform the development of targeted intervention programs for increasing MHSU among children with ADHD.