Quality of life, adjustment, and associative comorbid conditions in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A comparative study

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common pediatric, neurodevelopmental disorder, with serious impacts on lives of those suffering from it. ADHD is known to be associated with social and emotional difficulties, poor self-regulation, aggression, reduced empathy, inability to regulate socially desirable behavior along with conflicts within family, and increased conflict with peers and several associated comorbid conditions.

Aim: The study aims at exploring quality of life (QOL) and adjustment along with associated comorbid conditions in children diagnosed with ADHD in comparison with normal children.

Methods: A total sample of 60 children including 30 children diagnosed with ADHD and 30 normal children were selected and assessed using Vanderbilt ADHD Parent rating scale Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule, KINDL QOL: Parent Questionnaire and Pre-Adolescent adjustment Scale to assess level of ADHD, comorbid psychopathologies, their QOL and adjustment respectively.

Results: Overall results have indicated that parents reported lesser symptom and pathology in comparisons to teachers for ADHD. Those diagnosed with ADHD had positive and significant comorbidities associated of; low intelligence with behavioral problems and high levels of conduct problems, anxiety, depression, psychotic tendencies, physical illness with emotional problems and somatization in comparison to normal and thus a poor adjusted life, with significant report of poor self-esteem and peer relations and QOL.

Conclusion: The results of the present study has clearly stated that severe burden has been perceived by ADHD children, with a poor perceived QOL, several adjustment issues, and sufferance of one or other comorbidity. Thus, the study could help understand and emphasize the need of holistic treatment comprising medicinal and therapeutic methods, including intervention for parents, focusing exclusively on enhancing and curbing these factors.