Medication

• Whether or not to medicate the person for whom you care can be concern for many caregivers
• Caregivers may fear that medication could make problem solving more difficult for the person with ADHD.
• Side effects of medication such as loss of appetite, sleep disturbances and a “zombie like” state make the decision whether or not to try medication even more challenging

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications are often used to treat the symptoms of ADHD and help the person’s mood. This medication increases dopamine in the brain and improves attention and impulse control. Sometimes caregivers feel pressured to provide medication to the person they care for especially if their loved one is displaying challenging behaviours.

• Parents providing care to a child with ADHD can be concerned about the effects of this on their other children
• Siblings may feel they are living in a chaotic home environment where they feel anxious or worried about what may happen next.
• Siblings may feel threatened physically and may be the victim in violent outbursts.
• Siblings of children with ADHD may also feel the burden of providing care.
• They may have more responsibility in preventing outbursts or trying to help their parents with managing challenging behaviour.
• Siblings may feel that their parents do not have time for their needs and that the rules of behaviour for them are different compared to their sibling with ADHD.
• The symptoms of ADHD can sometimes result in a chaotic and stressful home environment
• Caregivers may suffer from stress and burnout as they respond to the needs of their loved one and possibly provide care to other children