SELF-IMAGE PROFILE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THEIR PARENTS

Abstract

Objective: We explored the impact of clinical response to treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents on the subsequent changes in their self-image profile, the quality of life of their parents, and its effect on socio-demographic variables. Method: Conners Rating Scales for Parents (CPRS-R) and for Teachers (CTRS-R) completed at the time of entry to the service were repeated to measure clinical response to treatment; the Self-Image Profiles for Children (SIP-C) and Adolescents (SIP-A), the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL) questionnaire and postcode data were used to evaluate other domains. Results: Data was collected for 53 boys (84%) and 10 girls (16%) with current mean age 11.5 years. Four-fifths (51/63) received pharmacological treatment and all parents were offered group parent training program. The only subscale in CPRS-R to show significance was the ADHD Index. The CTRS-R demonstrated statistically significant improvement (p < 0.01) in most subscales. On the Self-Image Profile, children reported themselves as more Kind (p < 0.012), more Helpful (p < 0.038) and less Bossy (p < 0.047). Comparison of pre- and post-treatment scores on QoL revealed no significant changes; however, correlations of QoL responses against CPRS post-treatment revealed significant negative relationships in a number of instances. Parents living in less deprived areas felt their lives were more meaningful and less likely felt negatively about themselves (p = 0.04, N = 26, rho = 0.405). Conclusion: Clinical improvement in ADHD symptoms was positively correlated with some improvement in the Self-Image Profile of children and adolescents, but its impact on the QoL in parents was limited.