Assessment and treatment of “hyperactivity”; in Italy and the United States

Italian and American physicians and psychologists rated the frequency with which they would use various assessment methods and treatments for children with behavioral and cognitive descriptors that typify a child labeled hyperactive in the United States. The label, hyperactive, however, did not appear in the description. Attitudes regarding etiology and ideology were obtained. There were highly significant differences between the use of assessment and treatment methods in the two countries. American professionals used all assessment and treatment procedures more than Italians except for psychodynamic therapies. Americans chose environmental modification and behavior therapy most often whereas Italians chose psychodynamic therapy and tutoring most frequently. Americans endorsed an organic view of “hyperactivity”; more than the Italians whereas the Italians supported environmental and labeling views more than the Americans. Having a conservative socio‐political attitude toward mental health planning was positively associated with diagnosis of minimal brain dysfunction, use of medication, and tutoring.