Assessment of the Effects of Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Family Stress and Well-Being: Development of the IMPACT 1.0 Scale

Abstract

Medications may lessen core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet families continue to report stress and have a low quality of life. Primary care providers manage almost half of all children with ADHD but do not have a brief measure to assess ADHD impacts on family in the context of everyday family life. The IMPACT (Impact Measure of Parenting-Related ADHD Challenges and Treatment) 1.0 Scale was codeveloped with input from parent advisors and administered to 79 parents of children with ADHD. Exploratory factor analysis, correlations with validated instruments, and test-retest reliability were examined. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in 4 subscales (Misbehavior, Siblings, Time, School), which demonstrated moderate to high test-retest reliability. Scale domains were related to severity and change in ADHD symptoms. Significant correlations were found between IMPACT scores, adaptive functioning in the home, and ADHD-related quality of life. The IMPACT 1.0 Scale provides a novel, reliable, and valid method to assess family impact of ADHD.

Effect of Delayed-Release and Extended-Release Methylphenidate on Caregiver Strain and Validation of Psychometric Properties of the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire: Results from a Phase 3 Trial in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…The toll taken on families and caregivers is often what prompts caregivers to seek treatment for their child (Angold et al 1998). If a medication improves ADHD symptoms in children but caregivers continue to experience strain, this may affect the continuity of treatment or caregiver satisfaction with treatment (Bauer et al 2019). This might be especially important for parents with ADHD, as the burden of caring for a child with ADHD is even more exacerbated (Chronis-Tuscano et al 2008).…”

Child hyperactivity, mother–child negativity, and sibling dyad negativity: A transactional family systems approach.

“…These studies found that children diagnosed with ADHD experienced their sibling relationships as more negative and conflict-laden compared to healthy control groups (Kouvava & Antonopoulou, 2020; Mikami & Pfiffner, 2008). A recent study exploring the impact of child ADHD on family stress and well-being in everyday life further identified the sibling domain as a key source of daily family strain, with higher levels of sibling negativity being related to increased hyperactive–impulsive symptoms (Bauer et al, 2019). Analogous to the parent–child relationship, studies examining sibling dyads in which one child suffers from ADHD indicate that the association with sibling conflict is particularly strong in the context of elevated hyperactivity–impulsivity symptoms, as opposed to inattention (Mash & Johnston, 1983).…”