Who Monitors Medication?

Abstract

There are a number of major concerns about the widespread use of stimulant drugs in the treatment of hyperactivity. Because of the variable and idiosyncratic effects of the drugs, there should be programs for monitoring the behavioral consequences so that relevant information can be exchanged between the prescribing physician and the teacher who is in a position to observe the behavioral effects of the medication. A survey indicates that the number of cases in which teacher-physician contact occurs, either directly or through an intermediary, falls far short of that which could be considered adequate monitoring. Teachers' perceptions of the appropriateness of activity level and attention span are significantly related to their involvement in direct contact with the prescribing physician.