Date of Award
Spring 5-19-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience
Department
Psychological Sciences
Advisor
Jena Hales
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in childhood, and the National Survey of Children’s Health reported that ADHD had a prevalence of around 6.1 million children aged 2-17 years old (NSCH, 2016). This review discusses the cultural and socioeconomic barriers that contribute to the underdiagnosis and treatment in members of ethnic minority communities. Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian adults received less mental health care compared to White Americans. Previous findings indicated that cultural factors, such as misinterpretation of symptoms from families and teachers and cultural perceptions of mental health, contributed to disparities in ADHD. Additionally, lack of cultural competence in medical providers, financial burdens, language barriers, and limited health care accessibility were additional challenges faced by ethnic minorities. Identifying these barriers can help to improve the quality of care people from underrepresented communities receive in the medical field. Furthermore, increasing awareness and cultural competency in healthcare are steps towards addressing these issues. Future ADHD research in diagnosis and treatment should include participants from ethnic minority communities to better understand their experiences.mep
Digital USD Citation
Hoang, Dianthe, "ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Within Ethnic Minority Groups" (2025). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 138.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/honors_theses/138
Copyright
Copyright held by the author
Included in
Ethnic Studies Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Public Health Commons
