Caregiver Depression Screening in a Child and Adolescent Clinic Seeking Consultation for their Children with Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity in Oman

Abstract

Introduction

Studies have shown that caregivers of children with (ADHD) are at a higher risk of mood disorders such as depression. The presence of mood disorders among the caregivers of children with ADHD has negative repercussion in terms of prognostic indicator, utilization of the health care service and the resultant quality of life.

Objectives

To solicit the performance of indices of depression among caregivers of children with ADHD and to explore the relationship between severity of mood score, subtypes of ADHD and socio-demographic factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Oman dispensing child and adolescent mental health services. Arabic-version of PHQ-9 was used screen for the presence of depression among the caregivers of children diagnosed with ADHD based on DSM 5. The severity and subtypes of ADHD were quantified using Vanderbilt ADHD Parent/Teacher Rating Scale. Socio-demographic background and clinical data were gathered from medical records or attending caregivers.

Results

The study included 100 caregivers of children with ADHD. Most of the primary caregivers were mothers (92%). Using the cutoff score of 12 on the PHQ-9, rates of depression for the mother was 14%. Some socio-demographic factors were strongly associated with severity of depressive symptom.

Conclusion

This study suggests that depressive symptoms as elicited by PHQ-9 are common among caregivers of children with ADHD. The rate of depressive symptoms is higher compared to the general population in Oman. This study lays groundwork for contemplating mechanisms to mitigate depressive symptoms among caregivers of children with ADHD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.