Effects of personality traits and parenting styles on decision-making, problem-solving, and irritability in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of personality traits and parenting attitudes on decision-making, problem-solving, and irritability in children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a prevalent condition in the child and adolescent population. Method: The study included 69 cases diagnosed with ADHD and 69 healthy control participants aged 12-18 years. Participants were assessed for psychiatric diagnoses through clinical interviews according to the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version, DSM-5 (K-SADS-PL-DSM-5). Both case and control groups completed Adolescent Decision Making Questionnaire (ADMQ), Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF), Level 2 Irritability Scale for Ages 11-17, and parents completed Parent Attitude Research Instrument (PARI), a Sociodemographic Data Form, and the Turgay DSM-IV Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale. Results: It was found that living in rural areas increased the risk of ADHD. The mothers of the cases had lower levels of education. The case group experienced significantly more problems in their friendships, sibling relationships, homework, and household harmony. They also started using technological devices at an earlier age and exhibited significantly lower problem-solving skills compared to healthy controls. Negative personality traits examined in individuals with ADHD were found to have a statistically significant negative impact on self-esteem in decision-making and a positive effect on negative decision-making styles. Furthermore, all personality traits in our study were found to be in a negative relationship with the positive decision-making feature of cautious selectivity; impulsivity, psychotism, and emotional detachment showed statistically significant differences. As negative personality traits increased in individuals with ADHD, their problem-solving skills decreased. We have reached the conclusion that the personality traits we have examined are positively associated with irritability. We have concluded that in children and adolescents with ADHD, there is no significant relationship between family attitudes and the child's decision-making and problem-solving skills, but there is a significant relationship with irritability, particularly related to the rejection of the homemaking role. Discussion and Conclusion: Based on our findings, early therapeutic interventions aimed at improving social and problem-solving skills are deemed necessary for individuals with ADHD. Evaluating the personality traits of individuals with ADHD and providing appropriate interventions may positively contribute to decision-making styles, irritability, and problem-solving skills.