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GENERAL PRACTITIONER-CENTERED PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE LOWERS HOSPITALIZATION RISK FOR MENTAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH ADHD
Article Information
Rakesh Kr Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Patna Medical College Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India
Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder among children and adolescents, often leading to significant comorbid mental health issues and increased hospitalization rates. This study evaluated the impact of GP-centred paediatric primary care on hospitalization rates for mental disorders among children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD.
Methods: The study was conducted involving 240 patients with ADHD, divided into two groups: 120 patients receiving GP-centred care and 120 receiving standard care. Data were collected on hospitalizations, psychopharmaceutical prescriptions, and psychotherapy sessions from 2023 to 2024. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, including multivariable regression models to adjust for potential confounders.
Results: The intervention group exhibited a significantly lower hospitalization rate for mental disorders (12.5%) compared to the control group (25.0%; p = 0.015). Additionally, fewer patients in the intervention group received psychopharmaceuticals (37.5% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.004), indicating a reduction in medication reliance. However, no significant variation was observed in psychotherapy sessions between the groups (16.7% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.156).
Conclusion: The GP-centred paediatric primary care programme significantly reduced hospitalization rates and psychopharmaceutical prescriptions among children and adolescents with ADHD. This indicates that integrated care models may effectively improve mental health outcomes in this population.
Recommendations: Future research should explore the long-term effects of GP-centred care on ADHD management and assess its applicability in diverse healthcare settings. Additionally, enhancing access to psychotherapy services within the GP-centred model may further optimize outcomes.
Keywords: ADHD, Gp-Centred Care, Mental Health, Hospitalization, Psychopharmaceuticals, Paediatric Primary Care