Conflict between Parents and Adolescents with ADHD: Situational Triggers and the Role of Comorbidity

Abstract

Little is known about factors that contribute to conflict between parents and adolescents with ADHD. The current study examines the frequency and intensity of arguments between adolescents with ADHD and their parents with attention to situational triggers and adolescent and parent characteristics that predict conflict. Adolescents and parents (N = 128) completed a battery of rating scales at baseline intake into a randomized clinical trial. The most frequent and clinically significant argument topics identified by parent were homework problems, personal hygiene, and bedtime. Similarly, homework problems were rated by parents as the most intense sources of arguments. Adolescents with ADHD who displayed higher comorbid depressive or aggressive symptoms had the most frequent arguments with their parents. Intervention and prevention programs targeting conflict between teens with ADHD and their parents might consider concurrent treatment of argument sources (i.e., disorganization, homework problems). Comorbid mood and behavior problems should also be addressed.