Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children: A Qualitative Analysis of Family Responses and Behavioral Challenges

Abstract

Background This study explored the behavioral problems of children with ADHD and -family-responding behaviors. Methods This present research uses Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) for carrying out the qualitative study to analyze the feedback of primary caregivers of children with ADHD aged between 6 and 9. The ADHD-affected children were using the services of the Child Development Clinic (CDC). Data was collected using the in-depth interview guide. Results Based on the data obtained from 14 dyads of a primary caregiver and a child with ADHD, two study themes emerged. The first one was related to the behavioral problems of the ADHD children, for which the family caregivers reported three categories: 1) impulsiveness, characterized by being hot-headed, aggressive, impatient, and lacking caution; 2) inattention, reflected by having a short attention span, a lack of self-discipline, forgetfulness, and a lack of due diligence; and 3) hyperactivity, denoted as being energetic and restless. The second theme encompassed the family's response behaviors and family-child interactions; most family caregivers indicated that they provided the child with opportunities to perform day-to-day self-services and help with home chores. They also encouraged the child to learn to develop creativity, perform meditation for mindfulness, and practice exercise, by inculcating positive parenting within the family. Conclusion Children with ADHD in Thailand presented three behavioral problems: impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity. Their family response behaviors were to decrease behavioral problems while enhancing the affected child's capacity, health, and well-being. Results also suggested that strengthening positive family-child interactions and positive parenting in a family were important key strategies in taking care ofchildren with ADHD.