Does a Behavioral Parent Training Program for Parents of ADHD Children Improve Outcomes? A Pilot Project

ABSTRACT

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common chronic neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. Research suggests increased parent–child conflict exists in families with an ADHD child. The evidence indicates links between child behavior problems and parenting practices. Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is an evidence-based intervention recommended for the treatment of ADHD. BPT is recommended as first-line treatment in ADHD children under age six and as a combination treatment approach for children older than the age six. BPT programs have demonstrated significant improvement in frequency of the problem behaviors of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity associated with ADHD. Pre- and Post-BPT Parenting Scales and Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scales for Parents and Teachers were used to evaluate the efficacy of the BPT program. Percent changes for each participant pre- and post-BPT were calculated. The Parenting Scale overall score and overreactivity factor score showed significant improvement post-BPT (p = .05). Participation in a BPT program can affect parenting practices and improve outcomes for ADHD children. BPT programs are effective in reducing negative parenting practices and improving outcomes for this population.

KEYWORDS:

• ADHD
• behavioral parent training
• ADHD treatment and management
• parenting stress in ADHD
• ADHD BPT efficacy
• ADHD BPT outcomes

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was granted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) IRB committee. Participation was strictly voluntary. Informed consent was obtained prior to participation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).