Mothers mental health of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in pediatric populations with an early onset. Mental health of mother can effect on child mental health and relation between mother and child is very important. The aim of this study was investigation about mental health of mothers with children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Materials and methods This cross sectional study was carried out on 100 mothers of children with ADHD diagnosis (Kashan, Iran). The data collection instruments included the Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire, and the questionnaire form includes the personal information and the variables associated to mental health. Results The total means score of GHQ in the mothers’ was 26/6 ± 11/78. Fifty-eight percent of the mothers have mental health problem. The highest mean score in the sub scales was related to the anxiety subscale (7.73) and the most common mental health problem in these mothers was anxiety problems (11%). Mental health problem is most common in mothers with low socio-economic status, younger age than 30 years old, education lower than diploma degree, householder mothers, single, having boy child with ADHD, having child more than 9 years old. Conclusion According to the results of this study, 58% of the mothers have mental health problem. So with screening and on time diagnosis and treatment, we can prevent disadvantage effects of these problems on social and mental health of their children.