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'Stuck in a Loop': A Qualitative Examination of Challenges for Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Anxiety

Authors :
Anna Jackson
Melissa Mulraney
Glenn A. Melvin
Subhadra Evans
Daryl Efron
Emma Sciberras
Source :
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. 2024 32(3):169-182.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Children and adolescents (henceforth "children") with both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety experience greater difficulties than children with either alone, though qualitative methodologies are yet to be used to understand the challenges this population experiences. We aimed to explore parent-reported daily impacts of co-occurring anxiety in children with ADHD (ages 8-13 years). Participants were enrolled in an Australian trial evaluating an adapted anxiety intervention and were eligible if their child met diagnostic criteria for ADHD plus separation, social, and/or generalized anxiety disorder. A baseline measure of life impacts associated with child anxiety captured situations parents reported were difficult, due to their child's anxiety. Reflexive thematic analysis of free-text responses (N = 203) facilitated new insights via inductively generating key themes. Three overarching themes highlighted (1) child difficulties with everyday situations and processes due to their anxiety; (2) the nature of the child's anxiety being pervasive and unrelenting; and (3) the strain placed on the child's family system. This study enhances understanding of daily impacts associated with co-occurring anxiety and ADHD and may contribute to an improved understanding of support needs. Results reiterate the need to identify co-occurring difficulties in children with ADHD and support both children and their families.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1063-4266 and 1538-4799
Volume :
32
Issue :
3
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1437646
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/10634266231151905