Disease Process Management Experiences of Parents of Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Activity Disorder

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to investigate the experiences of parents of adolescents aged 12-18 years with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in the management of the disease process.


METHODS: Parents (n = 10) of children aged 12-18 years who were treated in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of Kars State Hospital for at least 2 years were included in the study on the basis of data saturation. Information was collected with introductory information form and semi-structured interview and interpretive phenomenological analysis was used.
RESULTS: In this study, the experience of parents to manage the disease process was examined, and 10 subthemes were identified under four main themes. These were “reactions of the parents against the disease” (emotional and behavioral), “difficulties in managing the disease process” (managing symptoms, social, and financial), “difficulties in managing the disease process” (assessment, problemsolving, and emotionoriented), and “inferences about managing the disease process well” (aimed at parents and school staff). When the findings from the themes and subthemes were evaluated, it was found that many of the parents felt sadness and concern about their child’s condition and showed mourning reactions such as denial and shock but also developed positive perspectives and an effort to become stronger after accepting the disease.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of the research indicate that the holistic approach is important for the family to manage the treatment process well. When first diagnosed, parents should be allowed to express their emotions, revealing their strengths and strengthening their weaknesses. Emotion and behavior-oriented support programs will be useful for families to cope with their difficulties. Parents talk about the positive effect of information, so information resources and accessibility should be increased. School nurses should be trained to monitor the child’s behavior at school. Social support resources of the family should be evaluated and supported.