Parent training for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: parental and child outcome

Thirty-four patients who had children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) participated in a group parent training program (PT) that taught them about ADHD and behavior management. All parents completed pre- and postparticipation questionnaires measuring parental knowledge of ADHD and behavior management, parental stress in managing their youngsters, and the severity of their child's problem behaviors. Main effects were found indicating an increase in parental knowledge and a modest decrease in parental stress. However, behavioral improvement of their youngsters was not found at the completion of the program. This finding was discussed in the context of a possible ceiling effect from the medications that the youngsters were using to treat their ADHD.