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Stress symptoms and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a comparative study between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Martina Giallonardo1, Sara Uccella2,3, Fabrizio De Carli4

  • 1Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

Minerva Pediatrics
|October 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experienced more anxious-phobic responses during COVID-19 confinement than typically developing peers. Both groups showed significant stress impacts, but with distinct symptom profiles requiring tailored therapeutic approaches.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and associated confinement measures significantly impacted global well-being.
  • Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of restrictions due to challenges with rule adherence and intolerance to limitations.
  • Previous research has largely focused on the general population, necessitating a specific examination of the impact on vulnerable groups.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the stress-related behavioral changes during the initial COVID-19 confinement between children/adolescents aged 6-18 with ADHD and typically developing subjects.
  • To identify differences in the prevalence and nature of stress symptoms between these two groups.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized two parent-proxy online surveys distributed via social media.
  • Assessed symptoms of acute stress related to the pandemic and family COVID-19 positivity using 8 yes/no items.
  • Employed chi-squared (χ²) tests for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

  • The study included 1078 typically developing subjects and 979 subjects with ADHD.
  • Children and adolescents with ADHD exhibited a higher prevalence of exaggerated startle response, difficulties waking up, angry mood, and COVID-19 related fears compared to typically developing peers.
  • Typically developing subjects showed a higher prevalence of seeking information about COVID-19 and expressing worries about death.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 experience profoundly affected both children/adolescents with ADHD and typically developing subjects, though with differing stress symptom profiles.
  • ADHD subjects displayed more anxious-phobic responses, whereas typically developing subjects showed more depressive attitudes.
  • These distinct stress symptom profiles highlight the need for developing tailored therapeutic strategies for each group.
Abstract

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