The Impact of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment on Caregiver's Burden, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms.

Abstract

Background: Attention deficit/Hyperactivity d isorder (ADHD) affects the quality of life not only of children but also of their caregivers, particularly parents. This study investigates the effects of ADHD treatment on the burden, anxiety, and depression experienced by the parents of children with ADHD.

Methods: This study involved 92 children diagnosed with ADHD, aged 6-17 years and their primary caregivers. Both children and caregivers participated in a structured psychiatric interview based on the DSM-V criteria. At the start of treatment and again 3 months later, the children's behavioral problems were assessed using the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R:S). Caregiver outcomes were evaluated using the Burden Assessment Scale (BAS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).

Results: A statistically significant reduction in caregiver burden was observed in the BAS scores from the time of ADHD treatment initiation to 3 months later (P < .001, r ^a = 0.56). The highest BAS scores were consistently associated with hyperactivity, while the lowest scores were noted in caregivers of children with attention-deficit-dominant ADHD, both before and 3 months after treatment (P < .001, η² = 0.312; P < .001, η² = 0.314, respectively). The caregivers' HARS and HDRS scores decreased after 3 months of treatment, although this change was not statistically significant (P = .47 and P = .36, respectively).

Conclusion: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment significantly reduced the caregiver burden within 3 months, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of ADHD for improving children's symptoms and relieving the caregiver burden of their parents.