Depression and anxiety in mothers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Background Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood neurodevelopmental illness. It disrupts not only the child but also the parents. Dealing with children with ADHD can have unpleasant effects on close relatives, particularly mothers. Objective To detect depression and anxiety between mothers of children with ADHD. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 mothers of children with ADHD. Interviews were conducted with mothers and their children. Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales and Conner's Parent Rating Scale-revised, long version, were applied to all children. Participating mothers underwent Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale and Beck's Depression Inventory − II scale, and their socioeconomic level was measured by the El-Gilany scale for measuring family socioeconomic status. Results This study showed the presence of depression in 48% of mothers of children with ADHD. Presence of anxiety was seen in 64% of mothers of children with ADHD. There is a positive correlation between depression and anxiety of mothers and severity of symptoms of ADHD in their child. In our study, there is no relation between depression and anxiety of mothers and their child's type of ADHD. Conclusion Our study determined the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms in mothers of children with ADHD. The severity of depression and anxiety in mothers increases if the symptoms (attention deficit-hyperactivity-impulsivity) increase in their children.