Psychological symptomatology in siblings of children with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
Studies utilizing parent-report measures have identified above average levels of internalizing and externalizing problems in siblings of children diagnosed with ADHD. Scant research has examined siblings' self-report on standardized measures of emotional functioning. The current study examined parent-reported and child self-reported symptoms of siblings of children with ADHD compared with a control group.


METHODS
Measures completed included the Children's Depression Inventory, the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale.


RESULTS
Parent-report measures indicated that siblings of children with ADHD had higher levels of internalizing, hyperactivity, and inattention problems compared with control siblings. Significant differences between groups were not revealed on child self-report measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Although parent-report measures continue to demonstrate higher levels of symptoms for siblings of children diagnosed with ADHD compared with control siblings, there are no indications that self-reported internalizing symptoms are different.
Listug-Lunde
Lori
L
University of North Dakota. listug-lundel@centracare.com
Zevenbergen
Andrea A
AA
Petros
Thomas V
TV
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D035061:Control Groups; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires