| dc.description.abstract | Since the new law (Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning [Social Support Act]) came into effect in the Netherlands, psychological problems in children, such as ADHD, are being recognized in generalist care. Once ADHD has been recognized, the child can be referred to specialist care. If the symptoms of ADHD are not recognized at this moment, the diagnostic process will take longer, which could, create multiple problems. It is unknown if specialists and generalists have the abilities to recognize the different aspects of ADHD. Besides, there are more boy than girls diagnosed with ADHD. It is uncertain whether it is more common for boys to have ADHD or if it is better recognized. This study examined differences in generalists and specialists’ recognition of ADHD in children and adolescents and if gender influences recognition. Healthcare professionals (n = 431) were shown two cases describing children with ADHD and were asked to indicate which disorder was described. Participants were divided In two groups: specialists or generalists. Research hypotheses were tested by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. The results show that there is a significant difference in the recognition of ADHD between generalists and specialists. Specialists recognize ADHD better than generalists. There is no difference in the recognition of ADHD between boys and girls. At first glance, these results suggest that not all children with ADHD symptoms are recognized by generalists; this means that the diagnostic process may not always start as soon as possible. This may lead to several problems and unnecessary costs. | |
