Youth Perceptions of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Barriers to Treatment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain information about how youth with ADHD perceive this disorder and the barriers to treatment. Six focus groups were conducted in three locations within Nova Scotia (two of each: elementary school students, middle school students, high school students). Qualitative data was collected from 25 youth (aged 10 to 21) diagnosed with ADHD. Data analysis conducted through Ethnograph software revealed several themes: (a) participants did not perceive ADHD in a positive light; (b) youth recognized the need for intervention and identified school supports as particularly important; (c) youth reported both benefits and negative effects of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions; and (d) youth with ADHD perceived that the general public is misinformed about ADHD, which contributes to social stigma and stereotyping. The results have implications for school psychologists, who are in an ideal position to help demystify ADHD and to facilitate the collaboration between the youth, parents, and teachers. RésuméCette étude avait pour but de recueillir de l'information sur la manière dont les jeunes souffrant du trouble de déficit de l'attention avec hyperactivité (TDAH) perçoivent ce désordre, de même que sur les obstacles au traitement. Six groupes de discussion ont été menés, regroupant des élèves de trois endroits en NouvelleÉcosse (deux groupes de chacun des niveaux suivants, soit primaire, intermédiaire et secondaire). Des données qualitatives ont été recueillies auprès de 25 jeunes (de 10 à 21 ans) ayant reçu un diagnostic de TDAH. L'analyse des données, à l'aide du logiciel Ethnograph, a permis de dégager plusieurs thèmes : (1) les participants n'ont pas une perception positive du TDAH; (2) les jeunes reconnaissent la nécessité d'intervenir, soulignant tout particulièrement l'importance du soutien des écoles; (3) les jeunes rapportent tant les bienfaits que les effets négatifs de la médication et des interventions psychosociales et enfin, (4) les jeunes atteints du TDAH estiment que le grand public est mal informé au sujet de ce trouble, ce qui contribue à la stigmatisation sociale et à la persistance des stéréotypes. Les résultats interpellent particulièrement les psychologues en milieu scolaire, qui sont les mieux placés pour aider à démystifier le TDAH et à favoriser la collaboration entre les jeunes, les parents et les enseignants.

Utilizing the Common-Sense model of illness representations to explore children’s perceptions of, and coping with ADHD

“…Similar to the findings of other studies (Walker-Noack, Corkum, Elik, & Fearon, 2013;Andersson Frondelius, Ranjbar, Danielsson, 2019), also this study has showed that some children in some situations perceive their symptoms as empowering. It is important to explore those perceptions concerning possible contextual aspects related to them and aspects related to characteristics of those children.…”

Pharmacological interventions for ADHD: how do adolescent and adult patient beliefs and attitudes impact treatment adherence?

“…Walker-Noack et al 37 conducted six focus groups with young people aged 10–21 years diagnosed with ADHD. The focus of the discussion was on the perceptions of the young people toward ADHD and the barriers to treatment.…”

“…The authors suggest that the complex views of ADHD and its treatment held by young people may be defined as barriers to treatment adherence. 37 …”

Treatment adherence in Asthma and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Personality traits, Beliefs about medication and Illness perception

“…Furthermore, beliefs about the effectiveness of medication coupled with minimal experience of side effects have been linked to willingness to use ADHD medication (Bussing et al, 2012). Negative beliefs about medication, for example about depletion of energy, have been reported in young persons between 10 and 21 years of age (Walker-Noack, Corkum, Elik, & Fearon, 2013).…”