The Child’s Experience of ADHD

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the agreement between parent- and child-reported quality of life (QoL) and the self-perceptions of children with ADHD. Method: A cross-sectional survey of school-aged children with ADHD and their parents was undertaken. Results: Parents reported their child’s QoL as lower than the children rated themselves in most QoL domains. Children reporting higher QoL than their parents had higher self-worth, than children who reported lower QoL. There was no difference in ADHD or oppositional symptoms or child age for children reporting higher versus lower QoL than their parents. Children reported experiencing ADHD symptoms and positive aspects in taking stimulant medication. Conclusion: It is important to elicit the report of both parents and children for understanding the functional impairment of children with ADHD. Children who report lower child QoL than their parents have lower overall self-worth; these children may be at risk for developing internalizing difficulties.