Internet-based behavioural parent training intervention for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A...

Behavioral parent training (BPT) is recognized as a significant non-pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there is limited empirical evidence of its effectiveness within the Chinese context, particularly for online BPT. This study evaluates the efficacy of an 8-session internet-based BPT (I-BPT) program in improving ADHD symptoms and mental health outcomes for children and parents, compared to routine clinical care (RCC).

Participants included 120 children with ADHD and their parents, recruited from the Wuhan Mental Health Centre between March and September 2023. They were randomly assigned to either the I-BPT+RCC (N = 60) or RCC (N = 60) group, with assessments conducted at baseline and after two months. Child-related outcomes measured were ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and functional impairment. Parent-related outcomes included depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and parental stress. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to compare the efficacy of I-BPT+RCC with the RCC alone.

The I-BPT+RCC group showed significant improvements in total ADHD symptoms (F=6.84, P = 0.010), inattention (F=4.82, P = 0.030), hyperactivity/impulsivity (F=4.83, P = 0.030), and child depressive symptoms (F=8.56, P = 0.004) compared to the RCC group. Parental stress also significantly decreased in the I-BPT+RCC group (F=5.95, P = 0.016).

Overall, the I-BPT significantly enhanced health outcomes for children with ADHD and their parents. These findings highlight the potential of I-BPT as an effective and accessible treatment option for a broader patient population.