Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder/learning disabilities (ADHD/LD): parental characterization and perception

Patient Educ Couns. 2005 Apr;57(1):96-100. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2004.03.018.

Abstract

Sixty-six parents of adolescents (mean age, 14.8 years), who attended special education classes and who were diagnosed as having attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder/learning disabilities (ADHD/LD), were interviewed. The comorbidity of the ADHD group included emotional lability and/or depression, 70%; oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), 67%; obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 44%; addiction to buying, 44%; and aggressiveness, 62%. Twenty-one percent were either involved in the past or presently using drugs. Nine percent had attempted suicide. According to their parents, the main characteristic of these adolescents was low self-image. Parents enumerated five negative characteristics: impulsiveness; nervousness; angered easily ('short fused'); aggressiveness with cursing and outbursts; and impaired sociability with impoliteness.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology
  • Anger
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / prevention & control
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / psychology
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Comorbidity
  • Depression / psychology
  • Disabled Persons / psychology*
  • Family Health
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morale
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Concept
  • Social Behavior
  • Surveys and Questionnaires