Authors:
Silva D, Houghton S, Hagemann E, Jacoby P, Jongeling B, Bower C
Authors notes:
Community Mental Health Journal.
Keywords:
ADHD, comorbidity, family functioning, family strain, stimulant medication
Abstract:
We examined the degree of parental and child mental health in a community sample of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and the effect on family stress prior to and during treatment using a community retrospective questionnaire study.
In total 358 questionnaires were returned for analysis where 92 % of children had at least one co-morbid condition and mental health conditions in parents was common.
Overall, the Family Strain Index was significantly reduced after commencement of medication (p < 0.0001), but remained higher in families where the children had either externalizing disorders or autism spectrum disorder.