CBT, parent training, and combined approaches for children with ADHD: A randomized study

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Behavioural Science
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Pharmacological treatment is a primary approach for ADHD, but often requires adjunctive therapies.
• Psychosocial interventions aim to improve behavioural and functional outcomes in children with ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and parent training programmes (PTPs) as adjunctive treatments to medication for ADHD.
• To determine if psychosocial interventions enhance ADHD symptom reduction and functional improvement beyond medication alone.
• To compare the effects of CBT, PTPs, and their combination versus medication-only treatment.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 42 mother-child dyads.
• Participants were assigned to four groups: medication (M) + CBT, M + PTP, M + combined CBT & PTP, or M only (control).
• Standardized ADHD and functional outcome measures (Turgay DSM-IV ADHD Assessment Scale, SDQ) were administered pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in ADHD core symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) were observed in all groups receiving adjunctive psychosocial interventions.
• Improved functional outcomes, indicated by decreased Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) impact scores, were noted in the M+CBT, M+PTP, and combined groups.
• The control group showed limited improvement in attention deficit and a worsening of overall functioning (increased SDQ impact scores).

Conclusions:

• Adjunctive CBT and PTPs, individually or combined with medication, are more effective than medication alone for managing ADHD symptoms and improving children's functioning.
• Integrating psychosocial interventions into standard ADHD care, particularly in school and family settings, is recommended.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is necessary to confirm findings and inform clinical practice.