Majority Of Teachers 'Have Difficulty Understanding And Managing ADHD', Royal College Of Psychiatrists

Main Category: ADHD
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Mental Health
Article Date: 17 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Two thirds of primary school teachers struggle to understand and manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviour because of a lack of training, new research shows.

The study, presented at the annual conference of Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, surveyed teachers from six primary schools in Plymouth.

The research showed that most teachers had very little understanding of the genetic origins of ADHD, with only about 7% agreeing that it was a genetic disorder.

The majority of teachers were also found to have limited understanding about the use of stimulant medication to treat ADHD, and about whether or not ADHD is being over-diagnosed.

Worryingly, only 35% of teachers had received any training in understanding or managing ADHD behaviour. This is despite teachers playing a vital role in helping to diagnose and manage ADHD.

However, the study did show that teachers who had received training were more likely to work in partnership with parents. This finding suggests that training for teachers could help create a more positive learning environment for children displaying ADHD behaviour.

Study author Dr Sheheryar Jovindah, a locum consultant in child and adolescent psychiatry from Mount Gould Hospital in Plymouth, said it was 'crucial' that teachers are provided with better training in understanding and managing ADHD behaviour.

Reference

Royal College of Psychiatrists' Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Annual Residential Conference, 17-19 September 2008, Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

About The Royal College of Psychiatrists

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We promote mental health by:

- Setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care
- Improving understanding through research and education
- Leading, representing, training and supporting psychiatrists
- Working with patients, carers and their organisations

As well as running its membership examination (MRCPsych), and visiting and approving hospitals for training purposes, the College organises scientific and clinical conferences and lectures and continuing professional development activities. The College publishes books, reports and educational material for professionals and the general public. It also publishes the British Journal of Psychiatry , Psychiatric Bulletin , Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and International Psychiatry , all of which are now available on-line.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has been in existence in some form since 1841. First as the "Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane" (later changed to the Medico Psychological Association) then, in 1926 receiving its Royal Charter to become the "Royal Medico Psychological Association, and finally, in 1971 receiving a Supplemental Charter to become the "Royal College of Psychiatrists" we know today.

Royal College of Psychiatrists