Comorbid anxiety and depression in school-aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and self- reported symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression among parents of school-aged children with and without ADHD

ADHD is a common disorder among children around the world. It has been linked with difficulties at home and school. From many, it can continue into adulthood.

Previous studies have linked ADHD with a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

This particular study wanted to get more information on depression and anxiety and school kids with ADHD and to see whether their parents had similar symptoms,

Researchers screened children at a hospital in Shanghai for ADHD. They tested children for ADHD symptoms, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders.

They also performed similar tests for one of the parents of each child.

27% of the children in the study, who all had ADHD, also had an anxiety disorder. 18% had a depressive disorder, and 15% had both an anxiety and a depressive disorder.

These findings are similar to previous studies that have found higher rates of anxiety and depression in ADHD.

The parents of children with ADHD had higher rates of inattentive ADHD symptoms themselves.

Mothers of children with anxiety or depression also had higher rates of anxiety and depression. The severity of the symptoms in mothers was correlated with the severity of the symptoms in children.

This study provides further evidence that children with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety and depression.

The study also finds a curious link between ADHD symptoms in children and symptoms in parents. At least some of this link may be driven by genetics, but we will need more research to understand the driving factors behind this link fully.