Damned if you do, damned if you don’t : a critical analysis of the treatment decision-making process of parents of ADHD-diagnosed children

Abstract

This qualitative study seeks to understand the decision-making process of parents of ADHD-diagnosed children with regards to treatment choices to manage their child’s ADHD. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was used, informed by a critical social constructionist epistemology and a systemic theoretical framework. Six couples, of children diagnosed with ADHD and aged between 6 and 12 years, were interviewed conjointly. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed in accordance with a grounded theory analysis. Findings suggest that the decision-making process is underpinned by the core category of ‘helping my child find his/her path’, which motivates parents to manage their child’s behaviour to achieve success in their adult lives. A three-stage model has emerged from data analysis, which consists of three categories; ‘recognising the impact of ADHD on the child and the family, ‘seeking advice’ and ‘trying out ways to help my child: trial-and-error process’. The study includes recommendations for practice for clinicians working with families where there is a child with an ADHD diagnosis, and it also includes recommendations for future research.