The Impact of Undiagnosed Child ADHD on Family Outcomes

Abstract

Objective This study examined the relationship between child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and family outcomes (i.e., parenting stress, coparenting relationship quality, and family quality of life). Background While previous research has studied the effects of undiagnosed ADHD on children and adults, little work has investigated the impact of undiagnosed ADHD on the family unit. Methods Canadian and American parents of 6 to 17-year-old children ( n = 253) completed an online survey. Participants were categorized into four groups: (1) children with ADHD diagnoses who met clinical cut-off criteria on a symptom scale (i.e., “diagnosed”); (2) children without ADHD diagnoses, but who met clinical criteria (i.e., “undiagnosed”); (3) children with ADHD diagnoses who did not meet clinical criteria (i.e., “low-symptom”); and (4) children who were not diagnosed with ADHD, nor met clinical criteria (i.e., “no-ADHD”). Results Families with diagnosed children showed the highest levels of parenting stress, followed by undiagnosed and low-symptom families. Coparenting relationship quality was lower among low-symptom and undiagnosed families than among no-ADHD families. Family quality of life was highest in the no-ADHD group. Conclusion Results indicate that undiagnosed child ADHD impacts several important family processes. Families with children with undiagnosed ADHD may require additional supports and resources.