Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is acknowledged to have a strong familial component, yet current clinical approaches primarily centre around the affected child, neglecting the broader family dynamic. Effective interventions for childhood ADHD necessitate active parental involvement, ideally from both parents. While mothers have traditionally filled the primary caregiver role, fathers and other parental figures can also embrace this responsibility. However, when the mother herself remains undiagnosed and untreated for ADHD, achieving this level of involvement becomes a complex challenge.
Historically, females have been under-recognised for ADHD, often misattributing their symptoms to personal failings. This phenomenon is compounded by societal expectations surrounding household responsibilities. While research on ADHD in adulthood is less extensive compared to children and adolescents, recent shifts in diagnostic criteria have paved the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder in adults. This evolution in diagnosis now affords the opportunity to assess and treat entire families affected by ADHD. This dissertation conducts an integrative literature review to identify common threads within families where mothers have assumed the central parental role. It focuses on mothers in these families who have yet to be evaluated and treated for ADHD. It delves into the emotional impact on these mothers, the subsequent strains on their relationships, and the child's treatment, and proposes strategies for effective screening.
This review employed thematic analysis to explore the experiences of women with ADHD in Australia. Drawing on both Australian and international literature, the study focused particularly on the influence of familial ADHD on mothers. Three key themes emerged: "Impact of ADHD," revealing enduring challenges and opportunities; "Screening and Assessment," addressing complexities in diagnosis; and "Outcomes of ADHD Treatment," offering transformative insights at both individual and community levels.