NCJ Number
224331
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 133-140
Date Published
2008
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This pilot study examined differences in symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity--and demographic factors in a community sample of 8- through 11-year-old children, approximately half of whom had experienced child abuse or neglect.
Abstract
The study found that ADHD is a significant problem among maltreated children. Abused children had higher means scores on impulsivity and inattention scales of the SNAP-IV, but not the hyperactivity scales. Regarding age of onset, average parent-reported age for nonabused children followed a pattern familiar in the literature; i.e., boys had a much earlier age of onset than girls. Abused boys and girls had a similar age of onset, approximately halfway between the average ages reported for nonabused boys and girls. Fifteen parents (54 percent) indicated that a parent, brother, sister, or other relative had or was suspected of having an attention disorder. Parents of abused children were more likely to report this. Seventy-seven percent of abused children had a parent with ADHD, compared with 33 percent of nonabused children. The correlation between family history of ADHD and children’s ADHD symptoms decreased after controlling for abuse. The statistically significant findings in this small sample support the need for future studies with larger, representative samples and comprehensive measurement of symptoms and trauma history. Twenty-nine parents and their children participated in this study. Parents completed the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Test. Parents also completed the SNAP-IV Rating Scale, which assesses symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they completed the Brief Betrayal Trauma Scale--Parent version, which defines abuse in behavioral terms. 1 table and 17 references