The parental journey of ADHD: A longitudinal Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the needs and experiences of parents whose children are on the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnostic journey: A longitudinal study
IRAS ID
252905
Contact name
Richard Lee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northumbria University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 26 days
Research summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex and vastly researched mental health disorder usually defined by clinically significant deficits in “inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, across numerous settings”. It poses a significant worldwide public health issue, due to it being the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric illness in child and adolescent populations (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service [ADDISS], 2015).
This Ph.D. research project aims to help better understanding of parental needs and experiences throughout the ADHD diagnostic process, this includes referral, waiting time, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and discharge from NHS services. It will use a narrative approach and will be primarily interested in the stories that parents tell regarding their experiences and how these stories may change at pivotal moments across the diagnostic process. The research will also connect with key supporting individuals within the parent's life to help develop an overarching understanding of how parent's of children with ADHD make sense of their situation, and what influences that 'sense-making' process. The research will collect data utilising qualitative methods, including individual semi-structured interviews with parents and key supporting/influencing individuals in their lives, and focus groups of participants. The researcher will follow two groups of parents across their ADHD journey for a period of two years, collecting data at pivotal points of the diagnostic process. One of the groups will be parents whose children have recently been referred for assessment of ADHD. The second group of parents will be individuals whose children have recently received a diagnosis of ADHD. This allows for insights to be gained across a four year period of the ADHD journey. The researcher will also collect data from additional parents who may have vastly different views from the group participants on specific issues e.g. stimulant medication, internet support, the validity of the diagnosis.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0068
Date of REC Opinion
8 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion