Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 3192 - Children with Hyperkinetic Disorder and Their Families |
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| Contribution code | PS01-54 (P) |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
| Topic |
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| Abstract |
Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine differences in regard to the family cohesiveness, flexibility, communication and satisfaction among families with a child that has been diagnosed with Hyperkinetic Disorder, and families where no such problems are found in children. Method: A total of N=60 families with children aged 6 – 15 years (96% boys) were included in the sample, divided into two groups: a study group of n=30 families with a child diagnosed with hyperkinetic disorder as defined by ICD 10, and a control group of n=30 families where no childen were diagnosed with such a disorder. Dimensions of family interactions were assessed using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES-IV), a 62 item inventory which consists of 3 cohesion scales (enmeshed, disengaged, balanced cohesion), 3 flexibility scales (chaotic, rigid, balanced flexibility) and Family Communication and Family Satisfaction scales. Results: Families with one child diagnosed with hyperkinetic disorder compared to the control group were found to have: lower scores on balanced scales of cohesiveness and flexibility, higher scores on of disengaged, enmeshed and chaotic scales, and lower scores on the scales of family communication and family satisfaction. Also, parents in the study group were found to use authoritative and permissive parenting style more often compared to the control group, and have a lower assessment of personal competencies for raising the child, therefore there is a number of difficulties in marital and family functioning Conclusion: Hyperkinetic disorder in children appears relatively often, having significant effect to the wellfare of a child and family in whole, and the role of the family is significant both in treating the problem and planning the treatment. Hyperactivity problems and deficits of attention in a child should not be observed isolatedly, as a problem of a child exclusively; rather, it is necessary to take into consideration the functionality of the whole family. A possible recommendation is to include some form of family psychotherapy in the treatment of children with hyperkinetic disorder. |