Necessidades parentais dos pais de crianças com perturbação de hiperatividade e défice de atenção (PHDA)

Abstract

Introduction: Parental needs often emerge from the burden experienced in daily life, highlighting the importance of adequately understanding and supporting parents/caregivers of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to identify and characterize the perceived needs of parents and caregivers. Methodology: Parents/caregivers of children with ADHD aged 6–11 years (N = 26), followed at a Child Development Center, participated in the study. The assessment protocol included three instruments: a sociodemographic questionnaire; a questionnaire developed for this study assessing parental needs, knowledge, concerns, and impacts; and the BRIEF-2 and Conners scales, administered in person. Results: The sample consisted predominantly of mothers and male children diagnosed with ADHD. All children were treated with methylphenidate, with the combined presentation being the most prevalent. The most frequently reported comorbidity was Specific Learning Disorder. Parents/caregivers reported moderate knowledge regarding symptoms, pharmacological treatments, side effects, and psychological interventions. Discrepancies were observed between access to and perceived value of educational and health resources, with pharmacological support identified as the most accessible. A moderate impact on parents’/caregivers’ lives was observed, particularly on physical and mental health, with a significant association between children’s emotional difficulties and greater negative impact on parents/caregivers. Greater knowledge about ADHD symptoms was also associated with higher perceived impact. No relevant differences were found according to ADHD presentations; however, greater severity (level 4) was associated with higher caregiver burden. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted support strategies for parents/caregivers, particularly psychological follow-up, support groups, and access to qualified information. Prioritizing professional support over informal sources is recommended, given its potential benefits for both parents/caregivers and children. The main limitations include recruitment from a single center, the cross-sectional design, and the use of self-report measures.

Date of Award	16 Jan 2026
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Filipa Ribeiro (Supervisor)