Health Care Systems Issues and Disparities in ADHD Care for African American Adults

The diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be overlooked among African Americans. Barriers within the medical profession pose challenges, including biases among health care professionals and a lack of specialty services. Educating medical professionals in cultural competence, as well as educating community gateway contacts (such as clergy and educators) about ADHD, should improve the diagnosis and treatment of African American adults who have ADHD. More specialists are needed in underserved areas.

From the Department of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry and the Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia.