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Published on: June 12, 2020
Parental and family factors for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Taiwanese children
1Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei. gaushufe@ntu.edu.tw
Insights
Mothers of children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience more distress and provide less support. Children with ADHD show fewer interactions and more behavioral issues, highlighting the need for integrated parental support alongside medication.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Family Studies
Background:
- Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder impacting children's behavior and family dynamics.
- Understanding the interplay between ADHD, maternal well-being, parenting, and family environment is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ADHD and maternal psychological distress, parenting styles, perceived family support, parent-child interaction, and behavioral problems in Taiwanese children.
- To identify specific challenges faced by families of children with ADHD in Taiwan.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 375 medicated pediatric patients with ADHD and 750 age- and gender-matched controls.
- Mothers completed validated questionnaires assessing psychological distress, parenting styles, family functioning, and child behavior.
Main Results:
- Mothers of children with ADHD reported significantly higher psychological distress and lower perceived family support compared to mothers of control children.
- Mothers of children with ADHD exhibited less affection and more overprotective/controlling parenting behaviors, particularly towards boys.
- Children with ADHD demonstrated reduced parent-child interaction and increased behavioral problems at home.
Conclusions:
- Families of Taiwanese children with ADHD, even when medicated, face ongoing challenges in interaction, support, and communication.
- Integrating parental support strategies into medication treatment is recommended for comprehensive ADHD management in Taiwan.
Objective:
The present study aimed to examine the association between attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and maternal psychological distress, parenting style and perceived family support, and the child's interaction with parents and behavioural problems at home in Taiwan.
Methods:
The sample included 375 medicated pediatric patients with DSM-IV ADHD, and 750 school controls selected based on the age and gender structures of the ADHD group. Mothers reported on the Chinese Health Questionnaire, the Chinese versions of the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve, and the Home Behaviours of the Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents.
Results:
Mothers of children with ADHD reported greater psychological distress and perceived less support from their families than did mothers of controls. Moreover, mothers of children with ADHD were less affectionate and more overprotective and controlling toward their children than were mothers of controls. This difference was more apparent in boys than in girls. Children with ADHD were less likely to interact with their parents, yet demonstrated more severe behavioural problems at home.
Conclusions:
Although the Taiwanese children with ADHD were under treatment with methylphenidate, they and their families still encountered a variety of difficulties in interaction, support, and communication with each other. Therefore, the parental approach should be integrated into the medication treatment for ADHD in Taiwan.
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