Psychopathological Risk in Siblings of Subjects with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A cross-Sectional...

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Global Mental Health

Background:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Family and environmental factors play a crucial role in the psychopathology of ADHD.
• Limited research exists on mental health prevalence in siblings of ADHD children in low-middle income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of mental disorders in siblings of children with ADHD.
• To investigate the association between psychosocial adversity and psychopathology in these siblings.
• To conduct research in a low-middle income country context (Colombia).

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of ADHD probands, their siblings (ages 8-19), and one parent using DSM-5 criteria.
• Utilized the ADHD rating scale and other instruments for assessing mental disorders and psychosocial adversity.
• Included 74 trios (ADHD child, sibling, parent) in the study.

Main Results:

• 24.3% of siblings met criteria for ADHD; another 24.3% had other psychiatric disorders.
• Parental history of ADHD significantly increased the risk of ADHD in siblings.
• 28.3% of families reported high levels of psychosocial adversity (Rutter Adversity Index).

Conclusions:

• Siblings of children with ADHD are at significant risk for ADHD and other mental disorders.
• The risk is further elevated by parental ADHD history and the presence of multiple psychosocial adversity factors.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial for mitigating risks in siblings of ADHD patients.