Correlates and Mediators of Life Satisfaction Among Youth With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

The current study examined factors associated with life satisfaction among 111 youth, ages 8–17 years, presenting for outpatient treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Youth completed the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale, Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale–Child, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) modules of the Revised Child’s Anxiety and Depression Scale. A primary caregiver completed a standard demographic form, and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale–Parent. Results indicated that child-rated ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and generalized anxiety symptoms were negatively related to life satisfaction. Parent-rated ADHD symptoms in the child were related to child-rated ADHD symptoms but not to depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, or life satisfaction. Depressive symptoms predicted life satisfaction above and beyond parent-rated ADHD symptom severity; however, neither depressive nor generalized anxiety symptoms were found to uniquely predict life satisfaction above and beyond child-rated ADHD symptom severity. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between child-rated ADHD symptom severity and life satisfaction. Assessment and treatment implications are discussed; specifically, we highlight how the variables of interest may impact clinical presentation and treatment course.