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The lecture “Family with ADHD” is an in-depth story about life within a family system where ADHD is not just a “child’s condition” but a dynamic force influencing relationships, communication, emotions, and the daily functioning of all household members. ADHD does not exist in isolation—it resonates throughout the entire environment, especially among close family members. Many families experience frustration, chaos, and overwhelm, often without realizing that beneath challenging behaviors lies neurobiological diversity rather than “bad parenting” or a “lack of discipline.”
During the lecture, we will explore key aspects of how families function when at least one member has ADHD—whether it is a child, teenager, or adult partner. We will also discuss families where ADHD occurs across generations, which is common given its high heritability rate (up to 70–80%). A parent with undiagnosed ADHD may unknowingly pass on not only genetic traits but also maladaptive coping strategies, often shaped by their own unresolved struggles.
Participants will learn how ADHD affects relationships, parenting styles, daily organization, and emotional dynamics within the household. We will discuss the common phenomenon of the “vicious cycle of tension”—where missed commitments, impulsive reactions, and difficulties with emotional regulation in one family member trigger a cascade of conflicts, guilt, and mutual misunderstandings. We will demonstrate how introducing structure, a flexible set of rules, and accepting communication can significantly improve the overall quality of family life.
A key part of the lecture will be addressing the role of parents and caregivers in supporting a child with ADHD—not just on a practical level, but emotionally as well. We will highlight parental burnout, anxiety, and chronic stress, which often accompany raising a child with ADHD, and suggest strategies for strengthening parental resources. Additionally, we will present techniques for supporting emotional regulation in both children and adults, based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—a highly effective approach for managing emotional dysregulation, one of the most challenging and often overlooked symptoms of ADHD.
The lecture is designed for parents, caregivers, partners of individuals with ADHD, specialists, and anyone interested in neurodiversity within the family context. The goal is not only to provide scientifically grounded knowledge but also to create a space for reflection, understanding, and hope—because while life with ADHD can be challenging, it can also be a source of strength, creativity, and genuine connections.
Dr. Jarosław Jóźwiak is a psychiatrist with extensive experience in treating mental health disorders, with a special focus on ADHD. He is the founder and medical director of the ALMA Clinic, which specializes in innovative approaches to ADHD treatment. His work integrates clinical expertise with cutting-edge therapeutic strategies to ensure the best possible care for patients.
Dr. Jóźwiak has a strong academic background, having taught for many years at the Medical University of Warsaw. At the festival, he will share his insights and expertise on modern ADHD treatment methods, promoting understanding and effective management strategies for this condition.
https://psychiatraplus.pl/
