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Family coherence and ADHD
H Niederhofer1, B Hackenberg, K Lanzendorfer
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Insights
Family coherence may impact Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Low family coherence might reduce ADHD symptoms and offer protective effects for children with ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Family Studies
Background:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Children with ADHD often require repeated instructions for compliance.
- Family dynamics may influence the manifestation and management of ADHD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intrafamilial coherence and ADHD symptoms in boys.
- To compare family characteristics between boys diagnosed with ADHD and a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 15 boys (aged 6-12) with ADHD and 15 matched healthy controls.
- Diagnosis of ADHD was confirmed using the Mannheim Parent's Interview and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale.
- Parents completed questionnaires on family cooperation and childrearing practices.
Main Results:
- Intrafamilial coherence showed minimal positive association with family characteristics in ADHD families.
- Low intrafamilial coherence was observed to potentially reduce ADHD symptoms.
- Lower family coherence may exert a protective effect on children with ADHD.
Conclusions:
- Family coherence appears to play a role in modulating ADHD symptoms.
- Interventions focusing on enhancing family coherence could be beneficial for children with ADHD.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking family dynamics and ADHD outcomes.
Abstract:
A lack of perseverance, poor attention, and poorly modulated behaviour are important criteria of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Instructions often must be repeated, sometimes even by different family members, before a child with ADHD attends and complies. The hyperkinetic child might cause less disruption in families with high coherence. Families of 15 boys (aged 6 to 12 years) diagnosed with ADHD using the Mannheim Parent's Interview and the teacher's form of the Conners scale were compared with a matched healthy control group of 15 boys. Parents completed a form assessing the family's cooperation and childrearing practices. Intrafamilial coherence seems to have little positive association with the family's characteristics, especially for boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Low coherence among family members may reduce ADHD symptoms and may have protective effects on children with ADHD.
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