Examination of quality of life and expressed emotion in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with and without specific learning disorder

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of specific learning disorder (SLD) on quality of life, expressed emotion, and clinical features in adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A total of 35 adolescents participated in the study, 15 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD alone, while 20 were diagnosed with both ADHD and SLD. The adolescents completed the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI), the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Parents filled out the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)-Proxy Report, the Expressed Emotion Scale (EES), and the Conners Parent Rating Scale-48 (CPRS-48). Results: According to the children’s self-reports, the ADHD+SLD group showed significantly lower physical health-related quality of life and a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to their peers. However, based on parental reports, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the children’s quality of life or the levels of expressed emotion among parents. Conclusions: Adolescents with ADHD+SLD tend to perceive their physical health-related quality of life as lower. Therefore, it is crucial to identify this issue early and implement appropriate interventions.