Factors associated with the development of anxiety among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Elizabeth Holt McGee (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Arthur Anastopoulos

Abstract: "Given that children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) are known to experience difficulties with anxiety at a higher rate than the general population, this study's overall goal was to examine potential risk factors that may explain the link between AD/HD and comorbid anxiety. Sixty-three male and female children diagnosed with AD/HD and their mothers were administered various questionnaires to assess six domains (demographics, faulty thinking, parenting factors, school functioning, treatment, and AD/HD severity) to ascertain possible risk factors for the development of comorbid anxiety. In addition, mothers were administered a diagnostic interview to assess their children's AD/HD and separate anxiety diagnoses. Results supported variables most consistently in the faulty thinking, parenting factors, and school functioning domains as potential risk factors contributing to comorbid anxiety in children with AD/HD. Contrary to expectations, AD/HD severity made no direct contribution to comorbid anxiety above and beyond the other variables. However, it most likely makes an indirect contribution by its impact on the faulty thinking, parenting factors, and school functioning domains. Further, although causality cannot be addressed by the current research design, the three identified domains serve as a foundation for future research targeting directionality and risk in the development of anxiety among children with AD/HD. Based on this study's findings, implications for assessments and treatments for clinical practice were also discussed."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
children, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , ADHD, anxiety, comorbid anxiety
Subjects
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder--Psychological aspects
Anxiety in children

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