Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2008;8(2):57-66.
Understanding the experience of being mother of a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793200800008
Abstract
This is a qualitative study that had as objective to understand the experience of being mother of a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD. The subjects were five mothers of children with ADHD syndrome. The children were attending a municipal school of elementary education, in the municipality of Guapiassu, in the state of Sao Paulo. The methodology utilized was qualitative analysis of content and, data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data analysis revealed that having a child with ADHD is a difficult experience that causes suffering to mothers because of the child’s behavior, the complains coming from the school, the ignorance about the disease, the fear of medicine used in the treatment and, the lack of family support, among other causes. To cope with the situation, the mothers tried to learn about the disorder and its treatment, also they developed strategies to interact better with their children and help them overcome difficulties.