Impact of co-morbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on self-perceived health-related quality-of-life of children with specific learning disability

BACKGROUND: About 12-24% of children with specific learning disability (SpLD) have co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to “parent-proxy reports”, co-occurring “untreated” ADHD adversely impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with newly diagnosed SpLD, especially in their psychosocial functioning. AIMS: To analyze the impact of “untreated” co-occurring ADHD on the “self-perceived” HRQoL of children with “newly diagnosed” SpLD. SETTING AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in a learning disability clinic situated in a medical college. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2008 to December 2008, 136 consecutive children newly diagnosed as having “SpLD with co-occurring ADHD (SpLD/ADHD)” or “SpLD only” were enrolled. The DISABKIDS chronic generic module (DCGM-37-S (V31)) instrument was used to measure their HRQoL. DCGM-37-S (V31) mean facet and total scores were computed for “SpLD/ADHD” and “SpLD only” children groups and compared using independent samples t-test. RESULTS: HRQoL of “SpLD/ADHD” children was significantly better in limitation facet (mean difference: 8.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75-15.29; P=0.024). Although not statistically significant, the HRQoL of “SpLD/ADHD” children was better in independence, emotion, social inclusion and social exclusion facets; and in total score. CONCLUSIONS: “SpLD/ADHD” children perceive their physical functioning to be significantly better. Also their perceptions of their psychosocial functioning are better. Contrary to parent-proxy reports, co-occurring “untreated” ADHD does not adversely impact the self-perceived HRQoL of children with “newly diagnosed” SpLD.