Health Care Systems Issues and Disparities in ADHD Care for Hispanic Adults

Many adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are undiagnosed, and Hispanic adults with ADHD in particular face numerous barriers to accessing mental health care. Some of these barriers are cultural, such as stigma related to mental illness and misconceptions about psychotropic treatment. Other barriers are instrumental, such as language barriers, lack of insurance, or illegal immigration status. Clinicians can take many steps to help Hispanic patients overcome these barriers and should strive to be culturally sensitive in managing the unique challenges and needs of Hispanic patients with ADHD.

From the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York.