In search of "anything that would help": parent perspectives on emerging neurotechnologies

This qualitative study explores parents' perceptions about the future clinical translation of neurotechnologies--neuroimaging and genetic testing separately and together--for instrumentalization in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood ADHD.

We conducted in-person, semi-structured interviews with parents of minor children diagnosed with ADHD (N = 26) and analyzed 11.75 hr of data using constant comparative analysis.

Receptivity to technology and anticipation of potential benefits overshadowed discussion of risks or concerns. Four key areas of potential impact on parent experience are (a) insight and acceptance, (b) treatment and adherence, (c) stigma and blame, and (d) the endeavor to access resources.

The findings highlight high receptivity to emerging neurotechnologies for ADHD, key areas for which parents anticipate support from these technologies, and ethics challenges to clinical translation in light of parents' salient hope and minimal consideration of risk in their pursuit of "anything that would help."