Arab and Jewish mothers’ decisions regarding treatment of their children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A qualitative study

The use of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differs globally. Stimulant prescriptions ADHD among Israeli Jewish children are four times higher than Arab children. This qualitative study aimed to identify mothers and teachers’ attitudes regarding what affects mothers’ decisions on whether medicate their child diagnosed with ADHD. In-depth interviews were conducted 23 12 elementary school teachers. Data analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes revealed, describing different perceptions in the two ethnic groups: (1) medicalization ADHD; (2) between guilt sympathy: Mothers’ feelings toward (3) social pressure norms; (4) stigmatization: teachers tended perceive as a medical problem, whereas perceived it more childhood behavior. reported relating ADHD, felt sympathy child. environment influenced mothers. Stigmatization was only by Ethnic differences perception may explain diagnosis treatment. Educators psychologists should consider cultural factors when advising parents planning educational programs