Introduction:

Patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face multiple barriers to reach an adequate diagnosis and treatment, including the stigma they must defy. This situation generates a high emotional burden on the patient and his family. Parents with children diagnosed with ADHD play a fundamental role in the mental health care process. Objectives: To explore the meanings that arise in the parents of a child diagnosed with ADHD and, to identify barriers and facilitators during the diagnosis and treatment process.

Methods:

This is a qualitative study developed using grounded theory techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to 20 parents of children diagnosed with ADHD, which were analyzed through open coding, and later analyzed with axial and selective coding. A constant comparison of the information was carried out using a reflexive posture. These methods allowed the emergence of the theory.

Results:

Misconceptions about ADHD hinder parents' acceptance of this diagnosis. It was found that compared to fathers, mothers tend to carry more responsibilities in accompanying their children. Mothers face a difficult-to-navigate health system and unfulfilled drug delivery. In the educational system there is misinformation in schools, and parents often feel misunderstood by educators.

Conclusions:

The parents included in this study had to face challenges in the health, educational and family systems. Situations that prompted them to resignify their experiences around one of their children diagnosed with ADHD.

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