Correlates of Anxiety in 6- to 8-Year-Old Children With ADHD: A Community-Based Study. Issue 5 (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mulraney, Melissa; Schilpzand, Elizabeth J.; Anderson, Vicki; Nicholson, Jan M.; Efron, Daryl; Hazell, Philip; Sciberras, Emma
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 22:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 425
• Page End: 434
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: anxiety -- ADHD -- parent mental health -- gender -- socioeconomic status; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054716638510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the child and parent/family correlates of anxiety in a community-based sample of children with ADHD.Method: Children (6-8 years) with ADHD ( n = 179) and controls ( n = 212) were assessed for ADHD and anxiety using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV. Potential child and parent/family correlates were measured through direct assessments, and parent- and teacher-reported questionnaires. Associations were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: One in four children with ADHD ( n = 44) met criteria for an anxiety disorder, compared with one in 20 controls ( n = 10). Anxiety was common in both boys and girls with ADHD. The strongest correlates of anxiety in multivariate analyses were ADHD subtype, primary caregiver psychosocial distress, and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage.Conclusion: Anxiety is common in children with ADHD. This study provides insight into the potential parent/family stressors that may increase risk for anxiety in children with ADHD.