Parenting stressors, social support, and mental health of mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND

Mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are known to have a tendency toward poor mental health. This study aimed to identify specific parenting stressors impacting maternal mental health as well as the social support that buffers against those stressors in mothers of children with ADHD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with Japanese mothers of children under 18 years of age diagnosed with ADHD. The Questionnaires included attributes of participants and their children with ADHD, parenting stressors assessed by the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index, social support provided from spouse, parents, peer, friends, school, and medical and welfare institution, and maternal mental health assessed by the K6. A total of 149 responses (mean age 43.1 ± 4.9, children's mean age 10.2 ± 3.3, with 80.5% male) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the parenting stressor 'difficulties in understanding the child and coping with the child's needs' was associated with poor maternal mental health. Additionally, social support from medical and welfare institution buffered the impact of this parenting stressor on maternal mental health.

IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Medical and welfare institution professionals should strength social support reducing parenting stressors of 'difficulties in understanding the child and coping with the child's needs' among mothers of children with ADHD.

CONCLUSION

The parenting stressor of 'difficulties in understanding the child and coping with the child's needs' may impact mental health in mothers of children with ADHD and the medical and welfare institution's social support may buffer this stressor.