ADHD and functional somatic symptoms: structural equations of a conceptual model

AIMS: To examine the effect of anxiety and parental overprotection on functional somatic symptoms (FSS) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: Seventy-six children and adolescents (aged 6-17) with ADHD and their parents completed a clinical interview about psychiatric and somatic symptoms. Parents also reported about parenting styles. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. RESULTS: The generalized anxiety, overprotection, and specific phobia variables each had a direct effect on FSS. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety symptoms and parental overprotection may play a role in the development of FSS in children with ADHD. Further research is necessary to corroborate our findings.