Resilience levels among adolescents with ADHD using quantitative measures in a family-design study

Abstract

Objectives To investigate resilience levels in adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using quantitative measures when compared to their non-affected siblings and controls. We also aimed to investigate the correlation between resilience and depression, anxiety, intelligence quotient (IQ) and socioeconomic status, which may affect resilience levels and be potential confounders. Methods Adolescents (n=45) diagnosed with ADHD referred to an outpatient ADHD clinic, and their siblings without ADHD (n=27), with ages ranging from 12 to 17 years, were interviewed along with their parents using a semi-structured interview (Children’s Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes - Parent Version). Intelligence was measured with the Block Design and Vocabulary subtests from the Wechsler Battery. Anxiety and depression were investigated using the Children State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (CSTAI) and the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), respectively. Resilience was investigated using the Resilience Scale. A control group (typically developing adolescents [TDA] and their siblings; n=39) was recruited in another outpatient facility and at two schools using the same methodology. Results Socioeconomic status and intelligence levels, which may affect resilience, were similar in all groups. Adolescents with ADHD showed lower resilience levels compared to siblings and TDA even when controlled for anxiety and depression levels, which were higher in ADHD. Resilience levels were higher in siblings than in adolescents with ADHD, and lower than in TDA – this last result without statistical significance. Conclusion In our sample, ADHD in adolescents was associated with lower resilience, even when controlled for confounders often seen in association with the disorder.

“I Find It Really Difficult to Control Myself Too”: A Qualitative Study of the Effects on the Family Dynamic When Parent and Child Have ADHD

“…There is a dearth of research into the strengths associated with ADHD, which includes an understanding of resources and protective factors associated with more positive outcomes for children with ADHD within the family. While Regalla et al [34] found that adolescents with ADHD were less resilient than their non-disordered siblings and peers, others have found comparable levels of resilience in young people with and without ADHD [35]. An understanding of what family factors contribute to more positive outcomes, as protective (buffer against risks) and/or promotive factors, in children with ADHD could be used to promote resiliency in children with ADHD.…”

Life Gets Better: Important Resilience Factors When Growing Up With ADHD

“…Traditionally, research efforts have focused on risk and negative outcomes associated with ADHD, but strength-based approaches are increasingly highlighted in both research and practice ( Grønneberg et al, 2023 ; Lee et al, 2016 ; Sedgwick et al, 2019 ). Studies using a variety of resilience measures report different results, some showing reduced levels of resilience ( Regalla et al, 2019 ) while others show levels similar to neurotypical children ( Charabin et al, 2023 ). In a study comparing children with and without ADHD, both groups were as likely to be described as resilient by their teachers and parents ( Chan et al, 2022 ).…”

Experiences of Siblings of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Comparing Qualitative Analysis and Machine Learning to Study Narratives

“…Ma et al ( 8 ) found an increased overall risk for psychiatric symptoms in siblings of patients, especially patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. On the other hand, Regalla et al ( 9 ) found that siblings of patients with ADHD had greater resilience when assessed with the Resilience Scale. In a small pilot study Callio and Gustafsson ( 10 ) found that siblings of patients with eating disorders deal with concerns and lack of information about their siblings' disorder, although it led to better awareness of a healthy diet.…”