Empirically supported psychosocial treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Reviews and evaluates psychosocial treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents according to Task Force Criteria (Lonigan, Elbert, & Johnson, this issue). It is concluded that behavioral parent training and behavioral interventions in the classroom meet criteria for well-established treatments. Cognitive interventions do not meet criteria for well-established or probably efficacious treatments. Issues regarding the evaluative process are discussed and future directions for psychosocial treatment for ADHD are outlined.

European clinical guidelines for hyperkinetic disorder ? first upgrade

“…Parent training and behavioural interventions in the family have been shown to be effective by random allocation trials [112]. There are many approaches, and the following suggestions are made, not to be prescriptive, but to provide a brief framework that commands wide clinical consensus [10,35].…”

Trends in the prescribing of stimulant medication for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children and adolescents in NSW

“…32 Under a clinical behaviour therapy approach, parents undergo weekly group sessions over a period of weeks where they are taught behavioural techniques, such as time out, point systems, and contingent attention. Teachers are also trained by therapists in the use of classroom management strategies.…”

“…Certain types of cognitive intervention, such as social skills training and problem-solving interventions, may be useful, but probably only when they are part of an intensive, multicomponent behavioural treatment package. 32 The proven psychosocial interventions are not as effective in treating ADHD in children when compared with stimulant medication. When combined with medication, these interventions do appear to produce slightly better results than medication alone.…”

“…If key adults are unwilling or unable to implement the interventions, they will not be effective. 32 The benefits of psychosocial interventions also do not appear to extend beyond the time they are used; they need to be used on an ongoing basis.…”

Will Working Memory Training Generalize to Improve Off-Task Behavior in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

“…Training caregivers in behavioral procedures for ADHD is well-supported [1][2][3]; however, often the treatment does not generalize beyond the clinical setting. Newer behavioral treatments are attempting to address this issue [4], but providing evidence of generalization remains a challenge for most nonpharmacological therapies for ADHD.…”