There is significant impact on the family when a child has ADHD. Parents experience increased stress, anxiety, depression, marital problems, and substance abuse. They have greater financial strain, less personal time, and disrupted social relationships. Parental stress can make ADHD symptoms worse and negatively impact parenting skills. It also increases conflict between parent and child. Studies show the importance of considering parental stress when assessing a child's ADHD symptoms. Treating parental stress may help improve family functioning and reduce ADHD symptoms.

1. The Impact of ADHD on theChild’s FamilyJulie LewisPSY492: Advanced General PsychologyAugust 15, 2011

2. OverviewResearch question: What is the impact on the family when there is a child with ADHD in the household?

3. Objective: To gain insight into how a child’s ADHD affects the family

4. Hypothesis: There is an impact on the family when there is a child with ADHD

5. Literature review findingsBrannon and Heflinger (2006): Caregiver, child, family, and service system contributors to caregiver strain in two child mental health service systems Financial strain

6. Disruption of family relationships and social life

7. Interruptions at work

8. Limits on personal freedom and time

9. Feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, frustration

10. Fatigue and depression

11. Severity of child problems was the most consistent predictor of caregiver strain.

12. Strength – compared Medicaid and fee-for-service patients

13. Limitation – small sampleBrown, Howcroft, and Muthen (2010): Resilience in families living with a child diagnosed with hyperactivity/attention deficit disorder Increase in separation and divorce rate