Abstract
Purpose: To provide an overview of current knowledge and practice that supports an occupational perspective to health promotion for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Method: Evidence was identified from a range of electronic databases using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were subjected to a process of critical appraisal using scales for both quantitative and qualitative research, with only those ranked in the top four levels included. The scales used for this critique were the levels of evidence for quantitative research defined by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Rosalind Franklin Qualitative Research Appraisal Instrument (RF-QRA). The occupational perspective on health was used as a theoretical organising structure. Results: Thirty-six studies met the criteria for inclusion. Sensory processing, fine motor control, and play emerged as areas of current knowledge and research in relation to the occupational perspective. However, adults with ADHD are poorly represented in the evidence, as were the mental health needs of this population. Conclusion and recommendations: Several areas of expertise developed by occupational therapists were identified in the literature that could provide for a health promotion approach for people with ADHD. However, more studies are required to expand this specialist knowledge and develop innovative programs that take a more positive and empowering approach to living with this condition.
DOI
10.46743/1540-580X/2013.1462
Recommended Citation
Hitch D, Lavasani N, Pepin G, Stagnitti K. Promoting Health and Wellbeing for People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Occupational Perspective. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2013 Oct 01;11(4), Article 11.
