Psychological Characteristics of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as a Cause of Their Stigmatization and Victimization in Society

Abstract

The psychological characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are a significant barrier to their adaptation to society and the realization of their personal potential. There is a shortage of literature reviews on this topic, taking into account research over the past few years on. The basis for the literature review material was 51 foreign sources (of which 100% of the sources were in the last four years from 2020 to 2024, with 21 (41%) sources in 2024). Methods of comparative analysis and synthesis were used in writing the literature review. Modern literature indicates the presence of a complex of psychological characteristics in children with ADHD, which are based on disorders in the cognitive, emotional-volitional and behavioral spheres. In the cognitive sphere of children with ADHD, there are impairments in spatial abilities, decreased working memory, attention deficit and low speed of information processing, which are the cause of specific learning disabilities in more than half of children with ADHD. The most common emotional disturbances in children with ADHD are abnormal symptoms of anxiety, stress, low mood, motivation, and depression. Common behavioral symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, irritability, suicidal behavior, and deliberate attempts at non-suicidal self-harm. All of these cognitive, emotional and behavioral characteristics of children with ADHD can act as predictors of external stigma, most often expressed by school bullying (victimization), as well as internal stigmatization (low self-esteem). Horse riding, music therapy, group psychodrama, training in magic tricks, etc. are cited as the main modern non-pharmacological means of correcting the symptoms of ADHD.