Self-esteem and related factors of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at Child Psychiatric Unit of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Background : Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental disorder in children that has the prevalence of approximately 5%. Self – esteem is essential for achievement in children. Many studies revealed that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have lower self – esteem than normal ones. Also, there are many factors related to self – esteem in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

Objective : To study self – esteem and related factors among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Design : A cross – sectional descriptive study.

Setting : Child Psychiatric Unit of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Materials and Methods : Data were collected from 103 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children and their parents from October 2015 to January 2016. The measurement were questionnaires on demographic data and related factors and Cooper smith Self - esteem Inventory Test (CSEI).

Results : In all, 54.4% of the subjects have moderate to high level of self – esteem (mean = 53.98; S.D. = 13.30).      The factors related to self - esteem in the subjects are punishments by parents and teachers, and treatment with medication.

Conclusion : More than half of subjects have moderate to high level of self – esteem. The related factors that have negative effect on self – esteem are punishment by teachers and parents, and treatment with medication. The negative effect of punishment on self – esteem needs to be emphasized in the program for educating the parents, teachers and public. However, the relationship between treatment with medication and self – esteem needs
further studies.