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Self-esteem in children medically managed for attention deficit disorder
P C Kelly1, M L Cohen, W O Walker
197th General Hospital, Frankfurt, West Germany.
Pediatrics
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Children with attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity often have low self-esteem. While short-term medication may not improve it, long-term multimodal treatment, including medication, can significantly enhance self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preadolescent children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity (ADHD) frequently present with low self-esteem.
- The impact of treatment on self-esteem in this population requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the short-term and long-term effects of methylphenidate treatment on self-esteem in children with ADHD.
- To evaluate the role of multimodal management in conjunction with medication.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind crossover study involving 21 children (8-12 years) with newly diagnosed ADHD, comparing methylphenidate and placebo over 1 month.
- Multimodal management included diagnosis, education, medication, counseling, and psychosocial/educational support.
- Long-term follow-up (average 16 months) for 12 children on continued methylphenidate.
Main Results:
- Initial self-esteem levels were low in 30% of subjects.
- No significant short-term changes in self-esteem were observed despite behavioral improvements with medication.
- Significant improvements in total, general, and academic self-esteem were noted at long-term follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Children with ADHD commonly experience low self-esteem.
- Short-term methylphenidate treatment may not directly improve self-esteem, even with behavioral benefits.
- Long-term multimodal management, incorporating medication, is associated with significant improvements in self-esteem for children with ADHD.