LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MOTHERS RAISING CHILDREN WITH ADHD: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children worldwide and has significant implications for family functioning and parental well-being. Mothers often assume the primary caregiving role and may experience substantial psychological, social, and financial challenges while raising a child with ADHD. Despite increasing global research on ADHD, limited studies have explored the lived experiences of mothers within the sociocultural context of Pakistan. The present study aimed to explore the lived experiences of mothers raising children diagnosed with ADHD across major urban regions of Pakistan. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to gain in-depth insight into maternal caregiving experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers recruited through purposive sampling from Karachi, Lahore, and surrounding areas of Punjab. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The study seeks to provide insight into the emotional, social, and contextual challenges faced by mothers as well as the coping strategies they adopt while managing the demands associated with ADHD Five major themes emerged: financial strain related to treatment costs, social stigma arising from community judgment, emotional distress associated with children's impulsivity and hyperactivity, limited family support that exacerbated caregiving burdens, and maternal resilience expressed through faith-based coping and structured routines.Mothers cited systemic service gaps, job compromises, loneliness, guilt, and persistent anxiety. Spiritual resources that are deeply ingrained in culture have been identified as essential safeguards for maintaining well-being. Understanding these experiences can contribute to the development of culturally sensitive interventions, improved mental health services, and increased societal awareness regarding ADHD in Pakistan.