THERAPEUTIC COPING WITH ADHD AMONG CHILDREN FROM THE ARAB ISRAELI SECTOR WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE THERAPIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP.

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the Arab Israeli society's awareness to the need to treat children suffering from Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been rising. The State of Israel provides educational and psychological services in almost every Arab-Israeli town, allowing for identification, diagnosis and treatment. However, misleading prejudice stemming from lack of basic knowledge poses difficulties when offering appropriate therapy. The present paper aims to demonstrate the implications of such unawareness and stigmas, as well as to present the dilemmas and flaws in the professional relationship required between those involved in rendering appropriate care. It concludes that a multi-system therapeutic approach must be adopted by the Arab Israeli society, with emphasis placed on the therapist-patient relationship and the ability to take into consideration the individual needs of each case.