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.