Adhd coping mechanisms
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
ADHD Coping Mechanisms: Insights from Research
Coping Strategies in Parents of Children with ADHD
Parents of children with ADHD often face significant stress and employ various coping strategies to manage the challenges associated with their child's condition. Research indicates that these parents tend to use more avoidant-focused coping strategies compared to parents of typically developing children1. Mothers, in particular, seek more support and use indirect means to cope with the stress1. This highlights the need for interventions that promote positive coping strategies and support networks for these parents.
Coping Mechanisms in Adults with ADHD
Adults with ADHD also exhibit unique coping strategies. Studies show that they often use maladaptive strategies such as confrontative coping, escape-avoidance, and less planful problem-solving2. However, they also demonstrate a capacity for positive reappraisal of stressful situations, which can serve as a protective factor2. Additionally, adults with ADHD develop various compensatory strategies, including organizational, motoric, attentional, social, and psychopharmacological methods, to manage their symptoms4. These self-generated strategies can be effective and are sometimes perceived as beneficial by the individuals themselves4.
Coping Flexibility in Children with ADHD
Coping flexibility, or the ability to adapt coping strategies to changing situations, is another area of interest. Research shows that children with ADHD, regardless of age, exhibit less coping flexibility compared to their non-ADHD peers3. This inflexibility is linked to a smaller repertoire of coping strategies and difficulties in accurately perceiving changes in controllability of situations3. Enhancing coping flexibility in children with ADHD may require targeted interventions focusing on specific cognitive skills.
Interpersonal Coping in Boys with ADHD
Boys with ADHD often struggle with interpersonal stressors and tend to use maladaptive coping strategies more frequently than their peers without ADHD9. This is particularly pronounced in boys with comorbid conduct disorders9. These findings suggest that stress management and social skills training could be beneficial for improving interpersonal coping in this group.
Coping in Adults with Co-occurring Conditions
Adults with ADHD and co-occurring conditions, such as substance use disorder (SUD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), exhibit distinct coping profiles. They tend to use more palliative, avoidant, and passive coping strategies compared to the general population7. Those with both ADHD and ASD show even higher levels of passive coping and lower levels of reassuring thoughts and emotional expression7. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing tailored interventions that address the specific needs of these individuals.
Young People's Perceptions and Coping with ADHD
Young people with ADHD have varied perceptions of their symptoms and employ different coping strategies based on these perceptions. Some view their symptoms as a personal flaw, others see a mismatch between themselves and their environment, and some consider it a part of their personality10. Correspondingly, their coping strategies range from following their symptoms, changing their environment, to controlling themselves10. Recognizing these perceptions can help in designing more effective coping strategies for young individuals with ADHD.
Conclusion
Coping mechanisms for ADHD vary widely across different age groups and contexts. Parents of children with ADHD often rely on avoidant and support-seeking strategies, while adults with ADHD use a mix of maladaptive and compensatory strategies. Children with ADHD show less coping flexibility, and boys with ADHD, especially those with conduct disorders, struggle with interpersonal coping. Adults with co-occurring conditions exhibit unique coping profiles, and young people's perceptions of their ADHD symptoms significantly influence their coping strategies. Understanding these diverse coping mechanisms is essential for developing targeted interventions that can help individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms more effectively.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A systematic review of coping strategies in parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Parents of children with ADHD use more avoidant-focused coping strategies and seek more support than parents of typically developing children.
Systematic ReviewCoping strategies used by adults with ADHD
ADHD adults use maladaptive coping strategies but positively reappraise stressful situations, which may be a protective factor against antisocial personality problems.
Observational Study
Highly CitedShifting gears: Coping flexibility in children with and without ADHD
Older children without ADHD show greater coping flexibility, while children with ADHD exhibit more antisocial strategies and a smaller repertoire of coping strategies.
Non-RCTSkills and compensation strategies in adult ADHD – A qualitative study
Adult ADHD patients develop various coping strategies before diagnosis, some of which are perceived as helpful, and understanding these strategies may help improve patient cooperation and help understand late or under-diagnosis of the disorder.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalHow are you getting by? Coping in developmental coordination disorder versus attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Coping strategies differ between adults with developmental coordination disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, with environmental modifications being common in DCD and cognitive reframing and social support being relevant to both conditions.
Coping strategies among adults with ADHD: The mediational role of attachment relationship patterns.
Adults with ADHD exhibit more maladaptive attachment and coping outcomes, with attachment insecurity partially mediating this association.
Observational StudyCoping styles in substance use disorder (SUD) patients with and without co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
SUD patients with co-occurring ASD exhibit more passive coping strategies than those without ASD, highlighting the need for professionals to address these differences in treatment.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalCoping with Children with ADHD: Coping Styles of Mothers with Children with ADHD or Challenging Behaviours
Mothers of children with ADHD use significantly more Indirect Coping strategies compared to those without ADHD or challenging behaviors.
Observational StudyInterpersonal Coping Among Boys With ADHD
Boys with ADHD exhibit impaired interpersonal coping styles, suggesting the potential benefit of stress management and social skills trainings.
Observational StudyYoung people’s perceptions of and coping with their ADHD symptoms: A qualitative study
Young people with ADHD perceive and cope with their symptoms in various ways, with potential connections between perceptions and coping strategies.
Observational Study