Health-related quality of life and perceived stress of informal caregivers of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and ADHD

INTRODUCTION: Informal caregivers of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face numerous challenges. However, no study has yet compared the HRQoL of the caregivers of children and adolescents with these two conditions. We aimed to compare the HRQoL and perceived stress of caregivers of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and ADHD. METHODS: The HRQoL and perceived stress of informal caregivers of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and ADHD (40 in each group) were compared using the perceived stress scale and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form, respectively. RESULTS: HRQoL was significantly worse in most dimensions in caregivers of children and adolescents with severe ADHD than in caregivers of children and adolescents with severe intellectual disabilities. However, perceived stress was similar. CONCLUSION: Differences in the impact of intellectual disability and ADHD on family members’ HRQoL should be considered while developing educational programs for patients and their families.