Adding Insult to Injury: Bullying Experiences of Youth With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This study tested the hypothesis that self-reported bullying and peer victimization in pediatric populations (n = 238) diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would exceed that of peers with no diagnosis. Higher rates of victimization were reported by the youth with ADHD, but bullying rates were comparable for youth with ADHD and peers. Results suggest that students diagnosed with ADHD are at significantly higher risk for peer victimization, and its psychological impact on youth with ADHD who experience bullying—as victims, perpetrators, or both—are more likely to show psychosocial problems above and beyond their attention and social competence difficulties.