Inattention and Hyperactivity/impulsivity Symptoms in Parents of Children Diagnosed with ADHD

Abstract

Introduction

For a long period ADHD was considered to be a diagnostic limited to childhood. In the 1970s, clinical evidence showed symptoms in adults diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. Evidence shows that 15-20% of the parents of children with ADHD could also qualify for this diagnostic.

Aims

The aim of this study was to see whether parents of children diagnosed with ADHD have traits significant for this pathology and how these symptoms correlate with the ones experienced by their children.

Objectives

Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms were assessed in parents of children diagnosed with ADHD and the most severe traits found were compared with those of their children.

Methods

In the study were included 93 parents of 50 children diagnosed with ADHD by a specialist in Child Psychiatry. For each child parents completed the ADHD-Rating Scale and for assessment of their symptoms, the Diagnostic Interview Voor ADHD (DIVA) was applied to parents.

Results

34% of parents of children diagnosed with ADHD fulfill criteria for Adult ADHD. The most significant correlation was found between ADHD-RS scores for hyperactivity/impulsivity and DIVA scores for this kind of symptomatology. The little number of subjects represents a clear limitation, as this was performed as a pilot study.

Conclusions

Considering the high prevalence of ADHD in parents of diagnosed children and also the impact of their impairment over their children’s education, it is important to quantify this risk and rise awareness of the need for ADHD screenings in parents of children diagnosed with this pathology.