Comparing Family Functioning and Maternal Anxiety in Children with Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder and Controls

Abstract

Aim: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. Factors related with parents affect family functioning and make changes in ADHD symptoms . We aimed to evaluate maternal anxiety and family functioning in children with ADHD comparing with controls and their mothers. Method: The study group consisted of 62 children (6-12 years old) diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The control group (62 children) comprised patients of other clinics at hospital and was matched for gender and age to the ADHD patients. The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children- Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) was used to diagnose ADHD and allowed comorbidities. All patients were treatment-naive. Du Paul Atention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder-Rating Scale -IV Inventory for ADHD symptoms, Family Assessment Device (FAD) for family functioning, State Trait Anxiety Inventory for maternal anxiety were used. Results: There was no significant difference between sociodemographic data of two groups.. The families of children with ADHD had more family dysfunction in roles, behavioral control, affective involvement subscales.. Mothers of children with ADHD had higher scores than controls in State and Trait Anxiet Inventory forms. Conclusion: ADHD generally continues into adolescence and adulthood and multiple functional impairments can be occured due to ADHD. If the relationship between maternal anxiety, family functioning and ADHD is understood well, treatment of ADHD will be provided more effectively.