Correlates of anxiety in 6- to 8-year-old children with ADHD: a community-based study

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the child and parent/family correlates of anxiety in a community-based sample of children with ADHD. Method: Children (6-8 years) with ADHD (n = 179) and controls (n = 212) were assessed for ADHD and anxiety using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV. Potential child and parent/family correlates were measured through direct assessments, and parent- and teacher-reported questionnaires. Associations were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: One in four children with ADHD (n = 44) met criteria for an anxiety disorder, compared with one in 20 controls (n = 10). Anxiety was common in both boys and girls with ADHD. The strongest correlates of anxiety in multivariate analyses were ADHD subtype, primary caregiver psychosocial distress, and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage. Conclusion: Anxiety is common in children with ADHD. This study provides insight into the potential parent/family stressors that may increase risk for anxiety in children with ADHD.