Temperament and Character Traits of Parents of Children With ADHD

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between ADHD and the personalities of parents of children with ADHD. Method: Personality traits of parents of children with ADHD (study group; n = 135) and parents of children without ADHD (control group; n = 122) were compared. Psychiatric comorbidities were excluded with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Clinical Version [SCID-I-CV]. Personality is assessed with Temperament and Character Inventory, and inattention (IA) and hyperactivity (HI) are assessed with Turgay Scale. Results: Harm avoidance and persistence scores were higher, and self-directedness (SD) scores were lower in the study group than the control group. Being in ADHD group predicted lower SD scores. Positive correlations were found between harm avoidance and IA and HI, and between persistence and HI. Negative correlations were found between SD and both IA and HI. Conclusion: Our data suggest that there is relationship between ADHD in children’s and parents’ personalities. Common etiologic properties and personalized psychoeducation and treatment options for families should be discussed.