Challenges Established Family

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) : Challenges Established Family Norms and Beliefs
By William L. Smith Ph. D.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder of childhood. It is commonly estimates that from 3% to 6% of the child and adolescent population in the United States is diagnosed with ADHD. However, a recent report issued by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggest that ADHD may affect as many as 8% to 17% of America's youth. The APA report indicating a greater public health threat than previously thought.

Children and adolescents with ADHD are at a significantly higher risk for numerous emotional and social problems than those without ADHD, including academic and occupational underachievement, violence and criminality, increased suicide and risk-taking behavior. Children with ADHD are also at risk for depression, interpersonal difficulties, and family disruption (J. Kendall, 2003). Although studies have demonstrated that family dysfunction is common in families with ADHD children. Also, family members may suffer serious psychological effects, however, knowledge is noticeable lacking as to how to help these families cope with the daily challenges ADHD.

Article of interest Recently I read an article titled, Working with the Family of a Child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The authors of this article are: D.J. DeMarle, L. Denk, and C.S. Ernsthausen. I recommend this particular article for several reasons the most important being that it is replete with great ideas; and some very good suggestions that sets the framework for addressing family members' relevent concerns about ADHD and make recommendation for effective treatment and support system. Most practitioners understand ADHD as a medical condition. I don't agree with that assessment. It is true that ADHD has a biological and a physiological component. However, I believe that ADHD is a psychological, behavioral, and medical disorder. When we view ADHD as a single entity we run the risk of treating part of the symptoms. For example, if we focus on the medical aspect ADHD, the medical practitioner is commonly consulted to determined if the child meets the criteria for ADHD as required by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV). The evaluating physicians are also called upon for advice and to prescribe treatment for the disorder. However, most physicians with a very active practice cannot devote the time that is necessary with the family to review the nature and causes of ADHD and the multi-disciplinary approach to treating the disorder. Therefore, there is an elevated risk that the doctor may inadvertently reinforce existing fears and misconceptions about ADHD in the minds of family members.