Depression, Anxiety, psychological distress and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: One of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental diseases in children, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Mothers of children with ADHD frequently report higher levels of stress than mothers of children who are typically developing. Thus, this study aimed at finding out how common psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life were among mothers of children with ADHD. Methods: This case-control research was conducted at Outpatient Clinic, Psychiatry Department, Zagazig University Hospitals. All participants were evaluated for depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and quality of life. They were split into two groups: 72 mothers of children aged 6 to 12 who had no mental or chronic medical conditions, and 72 mothers of children with ADHD. Results: Social functioning, overall QoL perception, overall perception of general health and total QoL scores were lower among mothers of children with ADHD), Mothers of children with ADHD scored significantly higher on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale compared with mothers in the control group. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that mothers of children with ADHD experience a significantly higher burden of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety, which negatively impacts their quality of life compared to mothers of children without psychiatric disorders.