[Hyperactive children meeting the health service system].
Parents of children with hyperkinetic disorders (MBD, AD/HD) often criticize the health care system for being reluctant in recognizing the children's problematic behaviour and reluctant in examining and treating the problems at an early stage. They are also frustrated by insufficient information, inadequate treatment and too little practical help. In collaboration with the Norwegian MBD Association, an anonymous questionnaire was sent to members of the association with children born in 1983 or later. 192 of 350 questionnaires were returned and are included in the analysis. Parents had started being concerned about their child's development very early. When the child was one year old, more than 1/3 of the parents were concerned, at the age of two almost 2/3 of the parents were uneasy or alarmed. However, about 50% of the children were older than three years before the health care system recognized the problems, the average age for receiving a diagnosis was between five and six. Most parents felt there was a lack of sufficient information to the family from professionals, especially from medical doctors and psychologists. The support and information given by the MBD Association were highly appreciated. The study documents that parents need help and support concerning their difficult and demanding baby or toddler long before a diagnosis can be given. The importance of early intervention is strongly emphasised. This represents a challenge for the primary health care system and for the specialist services for children.
Hundevadt
L
L
Nic Waals Institutt, Oslo.
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002662:Child Health Services; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003376:Counseling; D005196:Family Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009664:Norway; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires