[An open trial on effectiveness of parent training in children with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder]

To explore effectiveness of Russell Barkley's parent training in children with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and to evaluate its applicability in mainland China.

Parents of 30 DSM-IV ADHD+ODD children were given 10 weekly trainings.

Total numbers of symptoms, symptoms of ADHD, symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and ODD declined significantly (P<0.01). Overall response rate was 80.0%, response rates of ADHD, inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and ODD were 76.7%, 80.0%, 66.7% and 80.0% respectively, with no significant difference among these rates (chi2=2.236, P=0.692). Reduction rates of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and ODD were (47+/-23)%, (60+/-37)% and (61+/-56)% respectively, with a significant difference between reduction of symptoms of ODD and inattention (Z=-2.949, P=0.003). Numbers of cases met criteria of ADHD and ODD decreased significantly (decreased 57% and 80% respectively, P<0.01), and there was a tendency to decrease more ODD cases (chi2=3.774, P=0.052). Ninety three percent of the parents were satisfied or highly satisfied with the training, and 87% were willing to introduce skills learnt to other parents. The subjective satisfaction by the parents was negatively correlated with total numbers of symptoms, symptoms of ADHD, symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity before training (r=-0.439,-0.478,- 0.447,-0.523, respectively, P<0.05). Willingness of the parents to introduce skills learnt to other parents was positively correlated with ODD symptoms before training and reduction rate of ODD symptoms (r=0.466, r=0.398, P<0.05), but negatively with ODD symptoms after training (r=-0.391, P<0.05). The parents reflected that the parent training was suitable to Chinese culture and current social status.

Parent training could be applicable in Chinese culture and current social status, and can alleviate both ODD and ADHD symptoms.