Use of Treatment Services for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Latino Children

This article reviews recent research that examines service use for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among Latino children. Using MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and PubMed, literature searches were conducted for research published between January 2008 and April 2010 that specifically focused on Latino children or included a sufficient sample of Latino children and examined racial/ethnic differences between groups. Eight studies regarding general service use, treatment with medication, and parenting interventions were identified and are reviewed herein. Results of these studies highlight important factors associated with the continued mental health service use disparities among Latino children, such as parental attitudes toward service use. Results also provide much-needed data with regard to adapting and engaging Latino parents into parenting interventions. Suggestions for clinical practice and future research are discussed.