ADHD and family life: a cross-sectional study of ADHD prevalence among pupils in China and factors associated with parental depression

BackgroundAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a major problem for children and their families in China. However, its influence on parental stress has been seldom explored. ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a community sample of children aged 6-13 years, and the extent to which it impacts parental depression. MethodCross-sectional study of primary school pupils (number=2497) in Deyang, Sichuan Province, South-West China. We used standardized instruments to identify children with ADHD symptoms and parent depression. ResultsThe prevalence of ADHD was 9.8%. Factors associated with the likelihood of ADHD, included family environment(P=0.003), time spent with children(P=0.01), parenting style(P=0.01), and parental relationship, pupils self-harm and lower academic ability (P=0.001). After controlling for other factors, having a child with ADHD increased the likelihood of parents depression (OR=4.35, CI=2.68[~]7.07), additional factors included parent relationship. ConclusionsADHD may be a common disorder among Chinese children, the symptoms of which may increase the likelihood of parent depression. There is a need for greater detection of ADHD in schools and an acknowledgement of the challenges the disorder creates for academic success and family wellbeing.