The experiences of children and adolescents living with ADHD were reflected in 6 themes

摘要

More children are referred to mental health clinics for ADHD than for any other psychiatric or behavioural problem. The qualitative study by Kendall et al provides a unique perspective on this disorder by describing children's perceptions of living with ADHD. Across the 6 categories reported in the findings, attributes reflecting low self esteem are demonstrated.Research indicates that if children view themselves negatively, they tend to behave in negative ways.Studies have also shown a reciprocal relation between self esteem and delinquent behaviour: low self esteem fosters delinquency, and delinquency improves self esteem.The results of Kendall ef al, coupled with the literature describing the effects of low self esteem on children's behaviour, suggest that interventions that enhance self esteem are important in the treatment of ADHD. Firstly, school nurses and paediatric nurses who regularly interact with children with ADHD have the opportunity to support children's views that ADHD is an illness, not a personality trait, and that taking medication is the "smart" thing to do, not something to be associated with shame. Secondly, nurses who interact with families of children with ADHD can ease the burden of a child who worries about the impact of ADHD on the family by being a supportive listener and care educator for family members. Finally, school nurses can facilitate teachers' interactions with children with ADHD by helping them to design classroom management strategies based on rationales that recognise the reciprocal relation between self esteem and delinquent behaviour.