State and trait anxiety level and severity of depression among mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder. Pilot study

Objectives: to evaluate anxiety level ( as a trait and as a state) and the severity of depressive symptoms in mothers of children with hyperkinetic disorder (HD) and with and without comorbid conduct disorder (CD); to determine the relationship between the intensity of anxiety and depressive symptoms and intensity HKD symptoms. Materials and methods: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and STAI questionnaire to measure state-trait anxiety were completed by 24 mothers of children with HKD and 26 mothers of children without HKD. Mothers of children with HKD also completed the Conners Questionnaire for Parents and Teachers (IOWA). Conners Questionnaire for Teachers (RCTS) was used for teachers. Results: 75% of HKD subjects had comorbid CD, in comparison with 19,2 % in the control group. No significant differences were found between mothers of children with HKD and the control group in BDI scale and STAI questionnaire in anxiety state and anxiety trait subscales. The difference was found between mothers of children with CD and without CD in anxiety-state subscale of STAI questionnaire. No relationships were found between the number of depressive symptoms, anxiety as a state and as a trait and the results of Conners IOWA and RCTS. Conclusions: The presence of HKD in children does not correlate with the level of depression and anxiety in mothers. A relationship exists between the presence of CD in children and elevated levels of state anxiety in mothers.