The invisible condition : AD/HD among parents who have children with AD/HD

Abstract

AD/HD was thought to be a childhood condition that only occasionally persisted in adulthood, but recent research suggests that in many instances the symptoms of AD/HD persist into adulthood. Many parents of children with AD/HD are likely to manifest symptoms of undiagnosed AD/HD themselves. This study examined the relationship between having a child diagnosed with AD/HD and having AD/HD as a parent him/herself, and the difficulties such parents are likely to encounter as a result of undiagnosed AD/HD. The study uses a purposive sampling of 84 parents who have children diagnosed with AD/HD and who were asked to complete a questionnaire on their childhood and present symptoms and difficulties. The results suggest a strong relationship between having a child with AD/HD and having undiagnosed AD/HD oneself. All the participants displayed characteristics of AD/HD in childhood and in adulthood, including relatively high levels of unemployment, psychological difficulties, substance use and conduct problems . The results highlight the need for more awareness about AD/HD in adulthood as in many instances it is still a hidden condition which can have negative impacts in one's life.