Stress symptoms and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a comparative study between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and typically developing children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related confinement severely impacted people wellbeing. Many studies focused on general population, although it is reasonable to expect that patients with neurodevelopmental disorders might have been at higher risk. Children/adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be potentially more vulnerable, due to their intolerance to forced restrictions that limit stimulating experiences, to obligation to follow instructions and to acceptation of imposed rules. We aimed to compare stress-related behavioral changes of the first COVD-19 related confinement among 6-18 years old ADHD and typically developing subjects.

METHODS

Two parent-proxy online surveys have been employed, shared via social media. Symptoms of acute stress related to the pandemic and a question about family members/households' COVID-19 positivity have been listed in 8 yes/no items (χ tests were applied).

RESULTS

Final sample consisted of 1078 typically developing subjects and 979 ADHD. Exaggerated startle response, difficulties in waking-up, angry mood as well as COVID-19 related fears were more prevalent among ADHD vs. typically developing subjects. typically developing subjects showed higher prevalence of research for information about COVID-19 and worries about death.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the COVID-19 experience significantly impacted children and adolescents with ADHD to a great extent, similarly to typically developing subjects. ADHD showed more anxious-phobic responses, while typically developing subjects demonstrate more depressive attitudes. Differences in stress symptoms profiles between ADHD and typically developing subjects warrant to develop distinct strategies of therapeutic interviews.