Treatment response to an intensive summer treatment program for adolescents with ADHD

J Atten Disord. 2012 Aug;16(6):443-8. doi: 10.1177/1087054711433424. Epub 2012 Feb 17.

Abstract

Objective: There are presently almost no empirically validated treatments for adolescents with ADHD. However, in childhood, behavioral treatments for ADHD typically include behavioral parent training, classroom interventions, and intensive child-directed interventions.

Method: The present investigation examines treatment gains following an 8-week intensive summer day treatment program for adolescents with ADHD (STP-A). Baseline measures of functioning and parent improvement ratings were obtained for 34 STP-A participants.

Results: Parent ratings indicated that adolescents who attended the STP-A improved across all target domains. Across domains, 63.0% to 90.9% of adolescents improved during the STP-A. There was no evidence of iatrogenic effects during the STP-A. Correlates of treatment response included adolescent effort, oppositional-defiant behavior, and cognitive/scholastic functioning.

Conclusion: Findings are discussed with regard to effective treatment delivery for adolescents with ADHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Treatment Outcome