Parents' perceptions of assessment and treatment options for their child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Abstract
Assessment and evaluation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a
common complaint in primary care. Although, there are ADHD criteria, assessment, and
treatment guidelines available to help diagnose a patient, there is variation in the way
healthcare providers apply these criteria and guidelines. Medications are often
prescribed as a treatment option. It is unknown if other treatment options are offered.Few studies exist on parents' perceptions of assessment and treatment options for their child with ADHD.
The purpose of this study was to determine parents' perceptions of the
assessment and treatment options for their child diagnosed with ADHD. The theoretical
framework used in this study was McCubbin, Thompson, and McCubbin's Resiliency
Model of Family Stress, Coping, Adjustment and Adaptation.
A descriptive survey design was utilized. The setting was a Midwestern
suburban clinic of family practice providers. A convenience sample of 59 parents, 18
years of age and older was obtained from the Midwestern clinic, through a computer
generated list of children who were diagnosed with ADHD and were being treated in the
clinic. Three instruments were used for data collection: the Child Demographic
Questionnaire, the Adult (parent)Demographic Questionnaire, and the Parents'
Perception Instrument (PPI), which also comprised one open-ended question. Data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results indicated that 57% of parents sought a primary care setting for initial
treatment of their child with behavioral symptoms. Ninety-two percent of parents
perceived that treatment with medication was helpful. Eighty-five percent of children
were managed in the primary care setting, even if they were diagnosed in a psychiatric
setting. Eighty-five percent of the parents expressed a desire to learn more about
ADHD. The results from the open-ended question on the survey indicated that although
parents reported they understood ADHD, they indicated a desire to learn more about
other treatment options besides medication, learn techniques to communicate with their
child, and strategies to discipline their child.
By understanding parents' perceptions, the advanced practice nurse can identify parental lack of knowledge about ADHD, educate the family, and assist with offering
interventions that would help the family adjust, cope, and deal with this diagnosis. With
more ADHD being managed in a primary care setting, it is imperative that advanced
practice nurse be prepared and knowledgeable about the assessment and treatment
options to work with the family.
Subject
Attention-deficit hyperactivity children
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder - Treatment
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/54096Description
A Clinical Paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner