Is there a stigma surrounding being a child with ADHD? If you have a child with ADD or ADHD, you probably know the answer. According to a recent study published in the August issue of Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, there is a negative perception surrounding ADHD.
The study examined stigmatization of Asthma, ADHD, and Depression. Surveys were administered to 1,318 children and adolescents ages 8 to 18 years old. The participants were randomly assigned to depression, ADHD, or asthma conditions and were presented with a vignette about a peer with one of the conditions.
The Conclusion of the Study
Respondents were more likely to make negative attributions about peers with ADHD and depression versus asthma, particularly regarding the likelihood of antisocial behavior and violence.
Other resources about the stigma surrounding ADHD:
Overcoming the ADHD Stigma - Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) ADDitude Magazine on ADD/ADHD. An expert psychologist shares his secrets for fighting ADD ADHD stereotyping in children and adults. read more digg story.
The ADHD Stigma - According to a study reported in Science Daily, nearly twenty-five percent of the 1134 parents in the study reported that they would not like their children to be friends with a child with ADHD. These parents then went on to say that …
Overcoming the ADHD Stigma - Steven Hinshaw, Ph.D., shares his secrets for fighting stereotyping.
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-ADHD Dad
A first-of-its-kind survey is bringing great news to parents and children alike indicating that certain types of video games appear to have a therapeutic effect on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
According to the survey conducted by Information Solutions Group on behalf of PopCap Games, “casual” video games appear to lessen symptoms of ADHD by increasing attention span, providing stress relief, and improving memory strength and focus. Moreover, because of the increased sense of accomplishment experienced in playing the games, survey respondents reported enjoying this form of therapy.
Dr. Carl Arinoldo, a Stony Brook, New York-based psychologist of 25 years’ experience comments, “It seems that children with AD/HD often lack that sense of control that comes much more easily to their non-AD/HD peers. Playing casual games such as Peggle and Bejeweled, among others, is one area in their lives in which these children can experience some sense of control with the added benefit of achieving success in something. Both of these aspects, taken together, can serve to enhance the child’s self-concept and self-esteem.” Read more »
Girls with ADHD appear to have a higher risk of developing mental illness by the time they turn 17. This was the finding of a recent study conducted by Harvard Medical School researcher, Joseph Biederman. This study tracked 140 girls with ADHD from ages 12 to 17 and compared them with 122 girls without ADHD. By the time they reached 17, the girls with ADHD were far more likely to be clinically depressed, to have anxiety disorders and to have conduct disorder. 90% of the girls with ADHD in this study had received treatment for their disorder.
Here are the specific findings of the study:
- More than 20% were disruptive vs. 3% of those without ADHD.
- More than one in three suffered major depression, compared with three in 100 of those without ADHD.
- 56% suffered anxiety vs. 19% of those without ADHD.
- 4% drank alcohol vs. 1% of those without ADHD.
- 12% used drugs compared with 4% of those without ADHD.
- Anorexia and bulimia each claimed about 5% of ADHD sufferers.
- 28% smoked vs. 13% of those withour ADHD.
ADHD Dad | July 21, 2008
