Assessment of levels of depression, anxiety and disruptin in family functioning among parents of children with adhd; before and after treatment

Objective: The primary objective of the study is to compare the levels of depression, anxiety and disruption in family functioning between parents of children with ADHD and normal development. Secondarly to demonstrate whether they recruit or not after the treatment of the child. Method: The parents (mother and father) of 30 children aged between 5-16 years who are admitted to the outpatient clinics of Akdeniz University Hospital Child Psychiatry Department for he first time and diagnosed with ADHD (DSM-IV) are included in experimental group. The parents (mother and father) of 30 children aged between 5-16 years, who are matched with experimental group children by age and gender and also do not have any medical, neuropsychiatric diseases constituted control group. The parents of children with ADHD are assessed twice; first at the time of diagnosis ADHD and then 3 months after the treatment whereas the parents of control children assessed once. Both groups of parents asked to fill the form of sociodemographical and personal background data. Adult ADHD scale (Turgay, 2004) and Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories are administered to both groups of parents and replicated after the treatment of the child among experimental group. Findings: Mothers of children with ADHD showed higher rates of depression and anxiety levels compared to control group mothers. Unlike mothers; fathers showed significant difference only related to anxiety levels but not in depression.3 months after the treatment of the child levels of depression and anxiety are decreased significantly both in mothers and fathers of ADHD children. Regarding family functioning analyses showed disturbances in problem solving, roles, affective responsiveness, affective involvement among mothers of ADHD children whereas fathers showed disturbances in problem solving and behavior control compared to control fathers. Contrary to expectations; family functioning disturbances showed no significant amelioration after the treatment of the child. Results: Beside fathers, mothers who are main caregivers and spend more time with the hyperactive child showed higher rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Emotional stress that is experienced by parents of children with ADHD impairs family functioning. The treatment of the child ameliorates the depressive and anxiety symptoms of parents but it was not satisfying for the family functioning disturbances in that period. As a result the assessment of the family with ADHD child in an integrated approach and give medical support to all family members are crucial points for practioners