Differences in anger, aggression, depression, and anxiety between ADHD and non-ADHD children

Differences in anger, aggression, depression, and anxiety between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disordered (ADHD) and Non-ADHD children were explored in this investigation. Data were collected from ADHD and Non-ADHD children and their mothers and teachers. Analysis of the self-report data indicated that the ADHD children were significantly more angry and depressed than the Non-ADHD children. In addition, mothers reported that ADHD children were significantly more aggressive and depressed than Non-ADHD children. Further examination of the mothers' report data showed a multivariate effect approaching statistical significance (p< .06) for the interaction between ADHD-group and gender. Analyses of the interaction indicated that ADHD males were significantly more depressed than Non-ADHD males and Non-ADHD females. The teacher-report data did not reveal any statistically significant differences between groups. However, the differences between the ADHD and Non-ADHD groups approached significance (p < .06) and further analysis revealed that teachers perceived ADHD children as more depressed and anxious than Non-ADHD children. The results are discussed with respect to previous research. Clinical implications are considered.