ADHD and functional somatic symptoms: structural equations of a conceptual model

Abstract

Aims: To examine the effect of anxiety and parental overprotection on functional somatic symptoms (FSS) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Seventy-six children and adolescents (aged 6-17) with ADHD and their parents completed a clinical interview about psychiatric and somatic symptoms. Parents also reported about parenting styles. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. Results: The generalized anxiety, overprotection, and specific phobia variables each had a direct effect on FSS. Conclusions: Anxiety symptoms and parental overprotection may play a role in the development of FSS in children with ADHD. Further research is necessary to corroborate our findings. Key Practitioner Message:• Children with ADHD and anxiety symptoms should be considered a group at risk of showing functional somatic symptoms (FSS) • Physical symptoms can be associated with increased functional impairment in ADHD children • Parental overprotection as reported by parents was associated with FSS. Training parents to use other strategies may be helpful for the prevention and treatment FSS

Anxiety and Somatic Symptoms in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…There is no significant difference between girls and boys in terms of somatic symptoms in this study. In a study, it was reported that generalized anxiety, phobia, and being a girl were risk factors for somatic symptoms in children with ADHD, and children with ADHD and somatic symptoms had more anxiety symptoms [ 19 ]. Also, children with ADHD and anxiety disorder had more physical symptoms than children with only ADHD [ 40 ].…”

“…It was demonstrated that 20% and 30% of adolescent girls had morning fatigue, stomachache, headache, and backache more than once a week [ 18 ]. Children and adolescents with ADHD diagnosis have somatic complaints; nevertheless, somatic complaints can be ignored by the clinicians [ 19 , 20 ]. In a study conducted with male adolescents aged 12-16 years, it was reported that adolescents with hyperactivity symptoms had more somatic complaints [ 20 ].…”