Study examines parental views of ADHD treatments

Parents are needed to take part in a national study examining how they view current treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Researchers from RMIT University, Monash University and the University of South Australia are looking for parents of children aged 5 to 12 to take part in an online survey as part of the research.

The project aims to assess how parents view traditional treatments as well as newer approaches to treating ADHD.

Principal Investigator and Master of Psychology researcher at RMIT, Cara Miles, said the attitudes of parents to different medical and psychological approaches to ADHD could influence their likelihood of taking up or persisting with treatments for their children.

"It's important for us to know what parents think because they are the ones who choose what treatments their child will receive," Ms Miles said.

"This study will also allow researchers to investigate whether different groups of parents prefer different types of treatments.

"For example, do younger parents or those under severe stress rate the treatments for ADHD in the same way as other parents?"

ADHD is estimated to affect 1 in 20 children and adolescents in Australia. While some children's symptoms reduce over time, others continue to feel the effects of their disorder through to adulthood.

Dr Natalie Sinn, Research Fellow and researcher in nutrition, learning and behaviour at the University of South Australia, said: "We hope this study will provide insights that can help us understand which parents prefer which treatments for this common childhood disorder.

"Because of the long-term effects that ADHD can have on children's lives – including being less likely to finish school than their peers – it is crucial they get the help they need to manage the symptoms quickly and effectively," Dr Sinn said.

The researchers are looking for parents of children aged 5 to 12 – both with ADHD and without the disorder – to participate in the confidential and anonymous online survey.

Email to find out more about the study.

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