Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in school-aged children: association with maternal mental health and use of health care resources.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between the mental health status of mothers and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their school-aged children and to characterize the health care access and utilization of families affected by ADHD.


METHODS
Survey logistic regression procedures were used to investigate the association between activity-limiting mental health conditions in mothers and ADHD in their school-aged children using 1998 National Health Interview Survey data. A total of 9529 mother-child dyads were included in the final analysis.


RESULTS
The prevalence of ADHD among children aged 4 to 17 years was 6.3%. Survey logistic regression statistics revealed an association between an activity-limiting depression, anxiety, or emotional problem in mothers and ADHD in their children. This association persisted after controlling for the gender, age, and race of the child; household income (as a function of the 1997 poverty level); and type of family structure as reported by the mother (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-8.1). Mothers of a child with ADHD were 13 times more likely to have consulted with a mental health professional about their child's health within the past year despite reporting an inability to afford prescription medications (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 2.2-4.9) and mental health care (OR: 7.4; 95% CI: 4.6, 11.8) for the child.


CONCLUSIONS
Maternal mental health is significantly associated with the presence of ADHD in school-aged children. This finding further supports a link between maternal mental health and behavioral outcomes in children. Health care utilization and access findings support a family-oriented system of care.
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. clesesne@cdc.gov
Catherine A
CA
Lesesne
Susanna N
SN
Visser
Carla P
CP
White
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology