Stress and Coping Patterns among Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

ttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder, characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and over-reactivity. ADHD is diagnosed during childhood but symptoms of the disorder can persist through adolescence into adulthood. Since the behavioral problems of ADHD children are high, their parents have more stress than normal children parents. Stress in the family context, especially when stress is chronic and present early in development,has detrimental effects on the well being of parents, children and parent-child relationship. The main goals of treatment are to lessen associated family deficits and family distress, and to increase quality of life and functional independence. A part of therapy would be the direct working with parents in order to modify their child rearing style in order to increase positive consequences for their children. Moreover, parents have a better insight into their child's disorder, can understand their behavior and may create an ADHD friendly environment. The study aimed at: - Assessing the level of the stress among parents having children with ADHD. - Identifying the coping patterns among parents having children with ADHD. Research question: The study is based on answered the following questions: - What is level of stress among parents having child