Accepting the Diagnosis

Common reactions

Some caregivers may struggle to accept the diagnosis of ADHD for the person they care for. Common reactions include denial, feelings of guilt, worry and anxiety about what will happen next and what the long-term outcome for the person will be.

Stigma

The stigma surrounding ADHD may lead caregivers to look for other causes or reasons for the behaviours of  the person they care for. Stigma is the negative reaction of other people about mental or physical health conditions.

Caregivers may also worry that accepting the diagnosis of ADHD may cause more difficulties for the person they care for and they may refuse to accept the diagnosis.