Self-esteem in special education children with ADHD: relationship to disorder characteristics and medication use.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the level of self-esteem among the study population, to examine how self-esteem ratings may vary by disorder characteristics and medication use, and to identify predictors of low self-esteem while adjusting for sociodemographic factors.


METHODS
In a school district-wide sample of children in special education programs, the authors assessed self-esteem with the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale among 143 students at high risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the school year 1995, with an interview participation rate of 73%. Disorder characteristics and medication use were assessed using multiple informants and standardized measures.


RESULTS
Self-esteem scores, on average, were in the normal range. However, across ADHD comorbidity profiles, children with ADHD and internalizing symptoms had significantly lower self-esteem scores, especially in the areas of anxiety and popularity, than children with ADHD alone or those with comorbid disruptive behavior disorders. Independent predictors of lower self-esteem were being while, high functional impairment, and comorbid internalizing conditions, but not medication use.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that interventions for ADHD should be culturally sensitive as well as aimed at improving a child's functional level and associated internalizing symptoms. Medication use among this younger patient group was not related to self-esteem scores.
Bussing
R
R
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Zima
B T
BT
Perwien
A R
AR
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants