Children and adolescents experience significant emotional disorders and the prevalence of these conditions is notable. There is a dearth of pediatric mental health care professionals in the U.S., and among those professionals available, geographic and reimbursement limitations restrict access to the care.

Primary health care providers are being encouraged to provide some of the identification and care management to offset this access problem.

Expand clinical skills of pediatric providers through enhanced training of residents in the use of psychopharmaceuticals for the most common psychiatric diagnosis in U.S. children (ADHD).

Second- and third-year pediatric residents attended an intensive 10-hour training in pediatric psychopharmacology for ADHD in 2010. the curriculum was based on a well-established 3-day program that teaches primary care clinicians the elements of guideline-level care for common behavioral health conditions. the program included pre- and post- training assessment of resident knowledge of current practice guidelines for ADHD and intention to use them. Special attention was given to proper use of screening instruments, diagnostic scales, treatment options, importance of medication options and increased frequency of visits during drug initiation and titration of dosages, and obstacles to implementation.

Results showed significant and sometimes large post-training increases in intentions to use medication therapies, systematic progression through stimulant and non-stimulant alternatives, parent and teacher symptom rating scales throughout treatment, and side effect scales during dose titration.

A one-day enhanced training program improved knowledge of, attitudes toward, and intention to use guidelines of care for youth with ADHD.