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Emotional Lability Independently Predicts Functional Impairment in Children with ADHD: A Cross-Sectional Study
Xiaolan Cao1,2, Zhaomin Wu1,2, Juan Liu1,2
1Children's Healthcare and Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
Emotional lability (EL) significantly worsens functional impairments in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), independent of core ADHD symptoms. Addressing emotional regulation is crucial for mitigating long-term difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Emotional Regulation
Background:
- Emotional lability (EL) is characterized by excessive emotional fluctuations and intense outbursts.
- EL frequently co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can exacerbate functional impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore disparities in ADHD symptoms and functional impairments between children with ADHD with and without EL.
- To examine the unique contribution of EL to functional impairments in children with ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 427 children with ADHD (aged 6-14 years).
- Assessed EL using Conners' Parent Rating Scale.
- Measured ADHD symptoms (ADHD-RS, CBCL) and functional impairment (WFIRS-P).
- Conducted group comparisons, correlations, and multiple linear regressions.
Main Results:
- EL prevalence was 33.96%.
- Children with ADHD and EL showed significantly higher inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and functional impairment scores.
- EL independently predicted impairments in family, life skills, self-concept, and total functional impairment, even after adjusting for ADHD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- EL is a significant, independent contributor to functional impairment in children with ADHD.
- Targeted interventions for emotional regulation in ADHD are needed to mitigate long-term functional impairments.
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