Comparison of mothers of children diagnosed with attention–deficit/ hyperactivity disorder with mothers of healthy children in terms of depression, anxiety and family functioning

To compare the depression, anxiety and family functions of mothers with children with ADHD and those with healthy children in a comparative way.The study group comprised 180 mothers with child between 6-16 years that were diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria in Sanliurfa Children's Hospital-Child Psychiatry Policlinic. The control group comprised 180 children with no medical or neuropsychiatric disease between the age of 6 and 16 that were paired with the patient group in terms of age and gender. Depression and anxiety levels of mothers with ADHD children were found to be higher than the mothers of healthy children. In addition, it has been determined that having versus not having a child with ADHD and using psychiatric medication have a significant effect on anxiety. In family functioning, the mothers of children with ADHD compared to the mothers with healthy children are more likely to have problems in the areas of "Problem Solving", "Communication", "Roles", "Emotional Response", "Behavior Control", "Demonstration of Interest" and "General Functions" (more unhealthy).