Mental Health Literacy of ADHD Among Turkish Mothers: Predictors of Correct Identification

Parental mental health literacy (MHL) plays a vital role in the early recognition of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and timely help-seeking behaviors.In Türkiye, cultural stigma, limited awareness, and misconceptions may contribute to underdiagnosis and delayed intervention.This study aimed to assess Turkish mothers' MHL regarding ADHD and to identify factors predicting accurate recognition and professional help-seeking.A total of 393 mothers of children aged 0-12 participated in an online survey.Participants responded to an ADHD vignette and open-ended questions on recognition, diagnosis, and help-seeking.Child behavior and maternal distress were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Kessler-6.Regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors of correct ADHD diagnosis.Only 14% of participants correctly identified ADHD.Predictors of correct diagnosis included higher education, being a healthcare worker, having a younger child, greater symptom recognition, endorsement of professional help-seeking, lower parental psychological distress, and higher scores on children's behavioral-emotional difficulties.Cultural misattributions (e.g., personality traits, parenting failure) were common and linked to incorrect diagnoses.These findings underscore the importance of enhancing parental MHL through culturally sensitive educational initiatives.Public health should reduce stigma, raise ADHD awareness, and enhance support access in non-Western settings like Türkiye.