[Evaluation of quality of life in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder children without comorbidity].

Abstract

Object: Improving quality of life (QOL) is one of the most important therapeutic goals for children with attention-deficit hyperactiv- ity disorder (AD/HD). The aim of this study was to measure QOL in AD/HD children without comorbidity and to examine associations between QOL and clinical symptoms of AD/HD for targeting early intervention.

Methods: Twenty-two enrolled patients and their parents completed the Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children (KINDL-R). Patients and teachers completed AD/HD rating scale-IV. Associations between QOL and clinical symptoms were assessed using t tests and correlations.

Results: Mean total score of the self-reported KINDL-R was 70.8. No difference in total QOL score was seen between AD/HD children and controls; however, the self-esteem subscale rated by AD/HD children was significantly higher than that of controls (p < 0.001). Total KINDL-R score correlated negatively with AD/HD rating scale-IV rated by teachers (p < 0.05). A difference was observed between AD/HD children in a lower QOL group and their parents in a subscale regarding QOL at school.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that evaluation of QOL in AD/HD children without comorbidity is useful for identifying AD/HD children who might benefit from early intervention.