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Putting knowledge to trial: ‘ADHD parents’ and the evaluation of alternative therapeutic regimes

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  • Edwards, Claire
  • Howlett, Etaoine

Abstract

The role of patients' organisations in shaping (medical) knowledge about particular health conditions and illnesses sheds light on notions of informed patienthood and the dynamics of lay-expert knowledge in the context of medicalisation. This paper considers dynamics of knowledge production in relation to a specific condition area, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), by investigating how parents of children with ADHD are intervening in knowledge creation about the effectiveness of different treatments for the disorder. It draws on qualitative research carried out between 2009 and 2011 with organisations representing parents of children with ADHD in Ireland, to explore how parents have commissioned evaluations of alternative interventions to medication. Drawing on analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews with both parents and professionals active in the arena of ADHD, documentary evidence, and observation at parent organisations' events, the study demonstrates how parents' interventions have sought to expand the therapeutic domain of ADHD beyond the exclusive realm of biopsychiatry, and the dilemmas they face in making their experiences count in a context where the need for evidence has become paramount in the governance of health.

Suggested Citation

  • Edwards, Claire & Howlett, Etaoine, 2013. "Putting knowledge to trial: ‘ADHD parents’ and the evaluation of alternative therapeutic regimes," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 34-41.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:81:y:2013:i:c:p:34-41
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.01.015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rabeharisoa, Vololona, 2003. "The struggle against neuromuscular diseases in France and the emergence of the "partnership model" of patient organisation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(11), pages 2127-2136, December.
    2. Valentine, Kylie, 2010. "A consideration of medicalisation: Choice, engagement and other responsibilities of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(5), pages 950-957, September.
    3. Singh, Ilina, 2004. "Doing their jobs: mothering with Ritalin in a culture of mother-blame," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 59(6), pages 1193-1205, September.
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