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Abstract Background: Over the years, many researchers have studied and described the constellation of symptoms of ADHD and its effects on several areas of the child’s life and on the family. This has enhanced the need to address the families of these children and specifically the parent–child relationship, as ADHD symptoms, and the behavioural problems associated with it, may influence the psychological functioning of parents and parenting, thus having a negative impact on the parent–child relationship. Aim of the work: is to compare the parenting stress level in parents of children with ADHD and parents of normal children, also to study the impact of parenting stress on parenting practices and its relation to ADHD symptoms severity and different behavioural problems either externalizing or internalizing. Patients and Methods: It’s an observational analytical case control study which was carried on 100 children diagnosed with ADHD and 50 control children matching age, sex and educational level of case group along with their parents. All patients were subjected to: Full psychiatric sheet for assessment of children, short structured diagnostic interview for psychiatric diagnoses to assess current and past episodes of psychopathology in children and adolescents (MINI-KID), children’s IQ was assessed using wechsler intelligence scale for children. Parents agreed to complete parental attitude questionnaire, parenting stress index, child behaviour checklist. Parents of Case group will also complete Conners parent rating scale. Results: Comparative study between the 2 groups revealed; highly significant increase in all child PSI variables in ADHD group compared to control group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001), highly significant increase in all parent PSI variables; except for PSI (marital relationships p > 0.05),; in ADHD group compared to control group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference (p = 0.0441: competence , p < 0.0001: isolation, p = 0.0001: role restriction, p = 0.0002 : attachment, p < 0.0001: depression), highly significant increase in total parent PSI, total child and total PSI in ADHD group compared to control group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001),Non-significant difference as regards life stress PSI (p > 0.05) between ADHD group compared to control group. Regarding parenting practices highly significant increase in PP control, harshness, induction of psychological pain, inconsistency and discrimination in ADHD group compared to control group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001),highly significant decrease in PP spoiling, lying and using positive parental attitudes in ADHD group compared to control group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference (p = 0.0036, p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001 respectively ),non-significant difference as regards overprotection and negligence (p > 0.05). As regard to CBCL: Highly significant increase in CBCL externalizing and internalizing problems and total externalizing, internalizing, total CBCL in ADHD group compared to control group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001 respectively), highly significant decrease in CBCL , social problems,, sex problems in ADHD group compared to control group of patients; with highly significant statistical difference (p < 0.0001) while non-significant difference as regards CBCL thought problems and somatic complaints (p > 0.05).Logistic regression analysis shows that; after applying Backward method and entering some predictor variables; increased child, parent, life stress PSI; and increased control, overprotection, spoiling, harshness and induction of psychological pain PPs had an independent effect on increasing the probability of ADHD susceptibility in both groups; with significant statistical difference (P < 0.05 respectively). Conclusion: Parents of children with ADHD experience extreme level of parenting stress compared to control group leading o adoption of certain inadequate parenting practices. Children and adolescents with ADHD find themselves under immediate effect of several adverse factors that can aggravate the symptoms of the disorder as well as favoring the onset of other psychiatric problems and symptoms. Parents are a good target for prevention and intervention because they may possess the foresight which helps them appreciate the value of prevention and early intervention, as well as the inherent motivation to take preventive actions. In turn, parents must be addressed whenever a child attend a clinical setting. |