The quality of life (QOL), measured with a Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), was evaluated in 120 untreated children, aged 6 to 12 years, with newly diagnosed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Findings were compared with 2 control groups of asthmatic and healthy children, in a prospective, case-control study at Lilly Research Laboratories, Alcobendas, and other centers in Spain. The QOL of ADHD children was impaired compared to controls, the greatest differences found in behavior, social limitations related to physical problems, self-esteem, emotional effects on parents and family activities. A psychosocial summary score was significantly lower for children with ADHD, compared with asthmatic children. [1]
COMMENT. Children with untreated ADHD have problems with quality of life that affect their behavior, self-esteem, psychosocial and physical functioning, and their relation to parents and families. The findings demonstrate the importance of early recognition and treatment of ADHD.