OBJECTIVES: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent mental health condition, occurring in 3-5% of children. Although stimulant medications are a recommended treatment for this disorder, physicians' views of these medications have not been systematically evaluated. This study examined physician perceptions of using medications to treat ADHD symptoms in children and/or adolescents. METHODS: A survey was developed with 4fourphysician experts in treating ADHD in children. The survey was pilot tested with a sample of 10 practicing physicians. A sample of 1000 physicians, with a history of prescribing stimulant medications to children and/or adolescents, was randomly selected and mailed a 30-item survey. Items were rated on a 7-point response scale (strongly agree, agree, slightly agree, undecided, slightly disagree, disagree, strongly disagree). RESULTS: A total of 365 physicians responded to the survey, for a 36.5% response rate. Over 98% physicians agreed that ADHD symptoms cause problems in pediatric patients and that stimulants are effective in treating ADHD. The stimulant side effects of decreased appetite/weight loss, sleep disruption, and exacerbation of anxiety were a concern to 88%, 74%, and 63% of physicians, respectively. Physicians reported that controlled medications for children and/or adolescents with ADHD are a burden for themselves (55% agreed), for their staff (61% agreed), and for parents (66% agreed). Diversion of ADHD medication was a concern to 53% of respondents. Approximately 55% of physicians responded that they would prefer prescribing a non-stimulant medication with a FDA-indication for treating children and/or adolescents instead of a stimulant medication. CONCLUSIONS: Although physicians overwhelmingly perceive stimulant medications as being effective for treating ADHD symptoms in children and/or adolescents, the majority would prefer a non-stimulant medication. Their concerns related to side effects, diversion, and burden of prescribing associated with stimulants may be reasons for their preference.