ADHD : a grounded theory of Bangladeshi family workers' perspectives

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric diagnosis
which is characterised by hyperactive and impulsive behaviour and
difficulties paying attention. The diagnosis has raised much discussion and
debate over recent years. The dominant discourse is that ADHD is the result
of 'faulty brain chemistry' and that the first line of treatment should be with
psycho-stimulantm edication. Concerns about this perspective have been
raised by clinical psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and other
mental health professionals. They highlight other factors which they feel are
more likely to contribute to such behaviour e.g. relationships, society,
parenting style.
Furthermore ADHD has been criticised for being a cultural construct, based
on Western values, and used to medicalise children. Most research into
ADHD has been carried out on White populations in the United Kingdom and
the United States. The rate of diagnosis has been rising in these and other
Westernised countries e.g. Australia in recent years.
The current research used a grounded theory methodology to explore views
of a different cultural group, namely Bangladeshi family workers. The
research aims were to gain an understanding of how such childhood
behaviours were viewed by Bangladeshi workers and to explore ways of
seeking and offering help.
The results supported much of the current literature on ADHD, taken at its
broadest level. Workers views are considered and their role as an interface
between families and statutory services is discussed. Workers also
discussed ways in which they engage parents and factors they felt acted as
barriers to accessing statutory services.

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