Abstract
ABSTRACT It is becoming increasingly common for caregivers and patients to search for health and mental health information on the Internet. Although there is a sizable scientific literature outlining an evidence-based approach to managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, it is not clear how much of the online information about the disorder and its treatment aligns with evidence-based practice. The goal of this study was to conduct a review of online information about ADHD treatment and to systematically analyze this information with respect to accountability, presentation, content and alignment with evidence-based practice, and readability. Thirty-one ADHD-themed websites identified by three common Internet search engines were coded using a set of standardized criteria. Results indicated that the quality of information about ADHD treatment was generally poor, with websites meeting less than half the standardized criteria. Alignment with evidence-based practice was especially poor; most websites did not discuss psychosocial treatments and very few mentioned the treatment guidelines produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Flesch-Kincaid reading level was, on average, much higher than the recommended grade 8 level. Results indicate that, although conducting online searches about ADHD treatment could be beneficial in the context of shared-decision making, it is important for clinicians and caregivers to understand the limitations of this approach and to continue to engage in evidence-based treatment of ADHD to ensure positive outcomes for children and adolescents with the disorder.
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