Health-related quality of life and participation in adolescents: The role of ADHD, and co-occurrence of DCD

Abstract

Background

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that often co-occur. Existing research highlights impairments in participation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among individuals with a sole diagnosis of ADHD or DCD. Yet, there is a notable gap in understanding how the co-occurrence of these disorders, compare to a sole diagnosis, affect health-related outcomes. This study explored the participation and HRQoL of adolescents with a sole diagnosis of ADHD, and with co-occurring diagnoses of ADHD+DCD, compared to their typical peers.

Methods

Ninety-seven adolescents with ADHD (n = 29), co-occurring ADHD+DCD (n = 23), and their typically developing peers (n = 45), underwent an assessment battery to ensure their diagnostic status, and then completed the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.

Results

There were no significant group differences in participation. However, adolescents with co-occurring ADHD+DCD exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower physical and social HRQoL, compared to typical peers and adolescents with ADHD; and lower emotional and school-related HRQoL, compared to typical peers. Adolescents with ADHD demonstrated lower HRQoL compared to typical peers only in the school-related domain. Diagnosis status, including no diagnosis, a sole diagnosis of ADHD, or co-occurring ADHD+DCD, significantly accounted for 12.9 % of the overall HRQoL, beyond the influence of participation levels (25.3 %) and age and sex (4.2 %).

Conclusion

Co-occurrence of ADHD and DCD have a negative impact on multiple domains of HRQoL, which differs from the effect of a sole diagnosis of ADHD. The results reinforce the importance of considering the implications of co-occurring ADHD and DCD when planning interventions aimed at improving quality of life.