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Conflict between Parents and Adolescents with ADHD: Situational Triggers and the Role of Comorbidity

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Abstract

Objectives

Little is known about factors that contribute to conflict between parents and adolescents with ADHD. The current study examines the frequency and intensity of arguments between adolescents with ADHD and their parents with attention to situational triggers and adolescent and parent characteristics that predict conflict.

Method

Adolescents and parents (N = 128) completed a battery of rating scales at baseline intake into a randomized clinical trial.

Results

The most frequent and clinically significant argument topics identified by parent were homework problems, personal hygiene, and bedtime. Similarly, homework problems were rated by parents as the most intense sources of arguments. Adolescents with ADHD who displayed higher comorbid depressive or aggressive symptoms had the most frequent arguments with their parents.

Conclusions

Intervention and prevention programs targeting conflict between teens with ADHD and their parents might consider concurrent treatment of argument sources (i.e., disorganization, homework problems). Comorbid mood and behavior problems should also be addressed.

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Acknowledgements

The research reported here was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; R34 MH092466). The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of NIMH.

Funding

This study was funded by NIMH (R34 MH092466).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA

    Alexis M. Garcia, Dassiell Medina & Margaret H. Sibley

  2. University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA

    Margaret H. Sibley

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  1. Alexis M. Garcia
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  2. Dassiell Medina
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  3. Margaret H. Sibley
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Correspondence to Margaret H. Sibley.

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Garcia, A.M., Medina, D. & Sibley, M.H. Conflict between Parents and Adolescents with ADHD: Situational Triggers and the Role of Comorbidity. J Child Fam Stud 28, 3338–3345 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01512-7

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