ERIC Number: EJ1456178
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Feb
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1087-0547
EISSN: EISSN-1557-1246
Available Date: N/A
Unmet Needs of Children and Young Adults with ADHD: Insights from Key Stakeholders on Priorities for Stigma Reduction
Marlies Jolinde Visser; Ruth Maria Hendrika Peters; Marjolein Luman
Journal of Attention Disorders, v29 n3 p195-206 2025
Introduction: Individuals with ADHD continue to face stigma, which can negatively impact their access to, adherence to, and quality of mental health services, as well as their overall wellbeing. Perspectives of various stakeholders regarding priorities for stigma reduction remain underexplored. This study explores young adult, parent, teacher, and mental health care professional perspectives on unmet needs of children and young adults with ADHD in the Netherlands, in the context of stigma reduction. Method: A total of 24 respondents participated in seven small focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs facilitated in-depth discussions exploring stakeholder group perspectives on unmet needs of children and young adults with ADHD in educational, professional, and social settings. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Three thematic categories of unmet needs were identified: (1) a lack of awareness, knowledge, and understanding of ADHD; (2) insufficient personalized approaches in education and health care; and (3) limited accessibility of information and support services. Within theme 1, respondents primarily highlighted the importance of improving education for primary school teachers and mental health care professionals. Theme 2 underscored the need for increased capacity for personalization and attention to the sociopsychological factors of ADHD, alongside recognizing strengths. Theme 3 emphasized the need for easy access to reliable information and mental health care, including peer networks, as well as proper follow-up and continuity of care. Discussion and Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for improving our understanding of ADHD as a complex biopsychosocial condition, which requires specific adjustments in education and mental health care. Interventions to improve support and disrupt stigmatization should meet diverse needs, incorporate multi-level strategies, and involve key stakeholders.
Descriptors: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Bias, Children, Young Adults, Needs, Foreign Countries, Environmental Influences, Access to Information, Consciousness Raising, Health Services, Capacity Building, Gender Differences, Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Netherlands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A