Improved quality of life among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is mediated by protective factors: a cross sectional survey

Jorun Schei; Torunn Stene Nøvik; Per Hove Thomsen; Marit S Indredavik; Thomas Jozefiak

doi:10.1186/s12888-015-0491-0

Improved quality of life among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is mediated by protective factors: a cross sectional survey

BMC Psychiatry. 2015 May 7:15:108. doi: 10.1186/s12888-015-0491-0.

Authors

Jorun Schei¹, Torunn Stene Nøvik^{2

3}, Per Hove Thomsen^{4

5}, Marit S Indredavik^{6

7}, Thomas Jozefiak^{8

9}

Affiliations

¹ Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Pb 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].
² Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Pb 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].
³ Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, St. Olavs Hospital Trondheim University Hospital, Pb 6810 Elgeseter, 7433, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].
⁴ Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Pb 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].
⁵ Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Aarhus University Hospital, Skovagervej 2, 8240, Risskov, Denmark. [email protected].
⁶ Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Pb 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].
⁷ Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, St. Olavs Hospital Trondheim University Hospital, Pb 6810 Elgeseter, 7433, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].
⁸ Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Pb 8905 MTFS, 7491, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].
⁹ Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, St. Olavs Hospital Trondheim University Hospital, Pb 6810 Elgeseter, 7433, Trondheim, Norway. [email protected].

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the role of protective factors as mediators and/or moderators of the relationship between coexisting emotional and conduct problems and quality of life (QoL) among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods: The sample consisted of 194 adolescents with ADHD. Participants completed measures of individual competencies, family cohesion and social support, and QoL. Coexisting emotional and conduct problems were assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results: Individual competencies and social support mediated the association between emotional and conduct problems and QoL. Family cohesion was associated with both emotional and conduct problems. No moderating effects of protective factors and coexisting problems were found.

Conclusions: The assessment of individual competencies, social resources, and family cohesion may identify potential treatment goals for adolescents with ADHD and coexisting problems, and may contribute to improvements in QoL.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
Attention
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
Conduct Disorder / complications
Conduct Disorder / psychology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Emotions
Family Health
Female
Humans
Male
Protective Factors
Quality of Life*
Self Efficacy
Social Support