BETA(2)-AGONIST METERED-DOSE INHALER OVERUSE - PSYCHOLOGICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC-PROFILES

Objective. To identify psychological and demographic correlates of chi ldren and adolescents known to overuse beta(2)-agonist metered dose in halers (beta-MDIs). Design. During residential care for severe asthma, demographic and psychological characteristics of 17 children and adol escents known to be 8-MDI overusers were compared with 38 asthmatic su bjects of similar age without such history. Results. beta-MDI overuse occurred among all groups; however, males, minorities, and those from lower socio-economic groups were overrepresented. Overusers scored sig nificantly lower on standardized IQ tests. Subtests of arithmetic for numeric reasoning comprehension for understanding of social values, an d picture completion for visual attention to detail were also signific antly lower in beta-MDI overusers, as were reading achievement tests. Testing also revealed tendencies toward dominant, shrewd, and undiscip lined personality traits in the overusers. Conclusion. Recognition of these characteristics of children prone to beta-MDI overuse will raise the clinician's awareness of this potential. Greater efforts and alte rnative approaches toward education and treatment of the at-risk patie nt and family are indicated.