Children's Perceived Parent-Child Relationships and Family Functioning in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare Children's Perceived Parent-Child Relationships (PCR) and family functioning in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a general population sample.

Method: A total of 49 ADHD subjects and 51 subjects without any psychiatric disorder were matched for age, sex, educational level, family income, level of parental education, ethnicity, and residential area. Family Assessment and PCR survey were used.

Results: The families of ADHD children had higher levels of difficulty in their relationships. Their problem-solving ability, communication, affective responsiveness, and affective involvement were less than those in the other group. There was a poorer PCR in the ADHD families.

Conclusions: Interpersonal relations are more conflicting and less organized in the families of children with ADHD. PCR should be promoted in ADHD children.

KEYWORDS:

• ADHD
• family functioning
• parent child relationships