Differences in anger, aggression, depression, and anxiety between ADHD and non-ADHD children

• Published in: Journal of attention disorders 1999-07, Vol.3 (2), p.77-83
• Main Authors: Kitchens, S. A., Rosèn, L. A., Braaten, E. B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1087-0547; 1557-1246
• DOI: 10.1177/108705479900300201

Differences in anger, aggression, depression, and anxiety between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disordered (ADHD) and Non-ADHD children were explored in this investigation. Data were collected from ADHD and Non-ADHD children and their mothers and teachers. Analysis of the self-report data indicated that the ADHD children were significantly more angry and depressed than the Non-ADHD children. In addition, mothers reported that ADHD children were significantly more aggressive and depressed than Non-ADHD children. Further examination of the mothers' report data showed a multivariate effect approaching statistical significance (p< .06) for the interaction between ADHD-group and gender. Analyses of the interaction indicated that ADHD males were significantly more depressed than Non-ADHD males and Non-ADHD females. The teacher-report data did not reveal any statistically significant differences between groups. However, the differences between the ADHD and Non-ADHD groups approached significance (p < .06) and further analysis revealed that teachers perceived ADHD children as more depressed and anxious than Non-ADHD children. The results are discussed with respect to previous research. Clinical implications are considered.