Sensory overresponsivity and anxiety in children with ADHD.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 25% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a comorbid anxiety disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sensory overresponsivity (SOR) is related to elevated levels of anxiety in children with ADHD. METHOD: Twenty-four children ages 6 to 10 with ADHD and 24 children without ADHD participated in this study. All parentscompleted a Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) with their child. Children in the ADHD group were subdivided into ADHD + SOR and ADHD-only groups using the Sensory Over-Responsivity Inventory. RESULTS: Children in the ADHD + SOR group were significantly more anxious than both the ADHD-only and non-ADHD (control) groups. Children with ADHD + SOR were also more likely to have clinically significant anxiety (determined by total scores on the RCMAS). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational therapists treating children with ADHD and SOR should be aware that these children may also have anxiety and discuss options with families for prevention or treatment.

Author information

Author/s: Reynolds, Stacey (S); Lane, Shelly J (SJ);

Affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980008, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. reynoldsse3(-atsign-)vcu.edu

Grants: M01 RR00065 (Agency:NCRR NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The American journal of occupational therapy. : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (Am J Occup Ther), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 Jul-Aug; vol 63 (issue 4) : pp 433-40

Dates: Created 2009/08/27; Completed 2009/10/13;

PMID: 19708472, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/13/2009, IMS Date: )

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