Impact of ADHD on family dynamics: a qualitative study

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects family dynamics significantly, affecting parent child communication, children's sibling relationship, daily routines, coping strategies, and family financial stability. Children with ADHD have special emotional, psychological, and financial problems for their families that affect their families’ quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of parents who have a child with ADHD, and how the condition impacts communication, family routines, emotional well-being and coping strategies. The design of this study was qualitative, phenomenological, and included in-depth interviews with eight parents of children diagnosed with ADHD who met the inclusion criteria. Self-made open-ended questions were used to conduct the study. Recurring patterns and insights from the responses of the participants were identified using content analysis. It also found that parent-child communication tends to be tenuous as a result of impulsivity and inattention, and that sibling relationships can be fraught with stress caused by emotional tension or jealousy, and social isolation. Parents reported major disruption to family routines and many were feeling exhausted and dependent. How families coped differed from structured routines, emotional support systems, or even therapeutic interventions to financial difficulty to afford viable care. The results of the study suggest that tailored family centered interventions, financial assistance programs, inclusive school environments, and public awareness campaigns will assist families with ADHD. Future research needs to move to longitudinal studies as well as perspectives of multiple stakeholders to better understand how ADHD continues to affect families over time. Key words: ADHD, Family Dynamics, Communication Difficulties, Parental Resilience.