Correlates and mediators of life satisfaction among youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

The current study examined factors associated with life satisfaction among 111 youth, ages 8-17 years, presenting for outpatient treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Youth completed the Students Life Satisfaction Scale, Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale-Child, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) modules of the Revised Childs Anxiety and Depression Scale. A primary caregiver completed a standard demographic form, and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale-Parent. Results indicated that child-rated ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and generalized anxiety symptoms were negatively related to life satisfaction. Parent-rated ADHD symptoms in the child were related to child-rated ADHD symptoms but not to depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, or life satisfaction. Depressive symptoms predicted life satisfaction above and beyond parent-rated ADHD symptom severity; however, neither depressive nor generalized anxiety symptoms were found to uniquely predict life satisfaction above and beyond child-rated ADHD symptom severity. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between child-rated ADHD symptom severity and life satisfaction. Assessment and treatment implications are discussed; specifically, we highlight how the variables of interest may impact clinical presentation and treatment course.