Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Boys will be boys: fathers' perspectives on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and drug treatment
1Centre for Family Research, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge, CB2 3RF, England. iasingh@msn.com
Abstract:
Fathers tend to be largely absent from research and clinical settings related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as from public forums related to ADHD, such as educational conferences and parent support groups. Because of these absences, little is known about fathers' perspectives on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and drug treatment. This article presents findings from a qualitative study involving 39 mothers and 22 fathers of boys with ADHD. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants using a picture-based method that elicited detailed narratives. Results of this study suggest that fathers' perspectives on ADHD behaviors, diagnosis, and drug treatment can be categorized along two dimensions: "reluctant believers" and "tolerant nonbelievers." Across these two dimensions, several related factors are relevant to fathers' perspectives: resistance to a medical framework for understanding their sons' behaviors; identification with the sons' symptomatic behaviors; and resistance to drug treatment with stimulants. These factors may help to explain, in turn, fathers' absences from clinical evaluations of their sons' behaviors. The study affirms the importance of fathers' perspectives to the clinical evaluation and treatment of boys' symptomatic behaviors.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
10:02Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Published on: March 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Conduct Disorder