Self-concept, anxiety and academic performance in adolescents with ADHD: a comparative study

Introduction. The main objective of the study is to compare the anxiety levels, self-concept and academic performance of a group of adolescents with ADHD with an age-matched group without the disorder. Method. The sample consisted of a total of 93 adolescents (46 with ADHD and 47 without ADHD) with a mean age of 13.31 years (11-16 age range). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH), the Five-Factor Self-Concept Questionnaire (AF5), and their grade point average were used in the evaluation. Results. The results in primary education, indicated lower scores in social and physical selfconcept and academic performance, and higher levels of state anxiety in adolescents with ADHD. The differences observed in secondary education were only in academic performance. Discussion and Conclusion. Based on the results, intervention strategies are proposed to improve academic skills and those related to self-concept in adolescents with ADHD.