Understanding the Impact of School Closures on ADHD Medication Use
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the educational landscape, including widespread school closures. These closures have had significant implications for the mental health and academic performance of children and adolescents. A recent study titled "School closures and prescription medication use among children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA, 2019–2022" sheds light on how these closures affected the use of prescription medications, particularly those for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Key Findings from the Study
The study, conducted using data from IQVIA’s National Prescription Audit, revealed a notable decline in ADHD medication use among children aged 10-19 during periods of complete school closures. Specifically, the monthly fills for ADHD medications decreased by approximately 20% from the pre-pandemic period to the period of complete school closures. In contrast, the use of antidepressants and antianxiety medications increased during this time, reflecting a rise in mental health challenges among young people.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners in the field of speech language pathology and other related disciplines, these findings underscore the importance of maintaining access to essential medications during public health crises. The decline in ADHD medication use may have contributed to the observed declines in academic performance during school closures, particularly for children with learning disabilities.
Here are some strategies practitioners can consider to mitigate these impacts:
- Advocate for Access: Work with schools and healthcare providers to ensure that children continue to have access to necessary medications during school closures.
- Monitor Academic Performance: Closely monitor the academic performance of children with ADHD and other learning disabilities, and adjust therapeutic interventions as needed.
- Collaborate with Families: Engage with families to provide support and resources that can help manage ADHD symptoms at home.
- Encourage Further Research: Encourage further research into the long-term effects of school closures on medication use and academic outcomes.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings of this study highlight the need for further research into the relationship between school closures and medication use. Understanding these dynamics can inform future public health strategies and ensure that children continue to receive the support they need during crises.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: School closures and prescription medication use among children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA, 2019–2022.
