Psychosocial treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disorder requiring developmentally sensitive interventions across the lifespan. Although pharmacotherapy traditionally has been considered the first-line treatment for ADHD, many individuals continue to experience significant functional impairment or choose not to pursue pharmacotherapy. Thus, evidence-based alternatives or adjuncts to pharmacologic treatment for individuals with ADHD are needed. Behavioral parent training and behavioral school interventions are the only empirically supported nonpharmacologic interventions for children and adolescents with ADHD. This article reviews recent additions to the ADHD literature, including evaluations of behavioral interventions in traditional clinical practice and schools, treatment efficacy for preschool-aged children and adults, and the investigation of a novel treatment for individuals with the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD.