Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 8/2014

01-08-2014 | Original Contribution

Evaluation of a psychoeducation programme for parents of children and adolescents with ADHD: immediate and long-term effects using a blind randomized controlled trial

Authors: Maite Ferrin, J. M. Moreno-Granados, M. D. Salcedo-Marin, M. Ruiz-Veguilla, V. Perez-Ayala, E. Taylor

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 8/2014

Login to get access

Abstract

Recent guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have claimed the possible benefits of psychoeducational techniques in the comprehensive management of ADHD. To evaluate the efficacy of a psychoeducation programme for parents of children and adolescents with ADHD in a clinical setting using a blind randomized trial. 81 children/adolescents with ADHD were randomly assigned for their families to receive either a well-structured psychoeducation programme (intervention group, n = 44), or a parent counselling and support intervention (control group, n = 37). Measures of child ADHD symptoms, psychopathology, quality of life and family stress were taken before and after intervention and after a year follow-up. Parents and evaluators were unaware of the condition received. Compared to the support control group, the psychoeducation group showed ADHD Index and cognitive/inattention levels significantly reduced after the intervention ended (Mann–Whitney U = 3.34; p = 0.001; Mann–Whitney U = 3.47; p = 0.001). An improvement in the pro-social domain was also observed after 1 year follow-up (Mann–Whitney U = −2.37; p = 0.018), and clinical global impression found a statistically significant effect for severity over the time. Differences were initially found for the impact of the disorder in the family in different domains, including emotional and social functioning; these differences were no longer significant after alpha correction. No significant differences in quality of life or family stress were found in comparison with the control group. This psychoeducation programme is a valuable treatment for parents/carers of children/adolescents with ADHD, which needs to be considered when evaluating different non-pharmacological treatment options. Psychoeducation and other kind of non-pharmacological approaches need to be regarded not as a substitute, but as a complementary treatment to medications; these approaches might help other very crucial aspects of ADHD including social and familiar outcomes.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Abidin RR (1995) Parenting stress index (PSI) manual, 3rd edn. Pediatric Psychology Press, Charlottesville Abidin RR (1995) Parenting stress index (PSI) manual, 3rd edn. Pediatric Psychology Press, Charlottesville
2.
go back to reference Abikoff HB, Jensen P, Arnold LLE et al (2002) Observed classroom behavior of children with ADHD: relationship to gender and comorbidity. J Abnor Child Psychol 30:349–359CrossRef Abikoff HB, Jensen P, Arnold LLE et al (2002) Observed classroom behavior of children with ADHD: relationship to gender and comorbidity. J Abnor Child Psychol 30:349–359CrossRef
3.
go back to reference Adler LD, Nierenberg AA (2010) Review of medication adherence in children and adults with ADHD. Postgrad Med 122:184–191PubMedCrossRef Adler LD, Nierenberg AA (2010) Review of medication adherence in children and adults with ADHD. Postgrad Med 122:184–191PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference American Psychiatric Association (1994) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edn. Author, Washington American Psychiatric Association (1994) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edn. Author, Washington
5.
go back to reference Banaschewski T, Buitelaar J, Coghill DR, Sergeant JA, Sonuga-Barke E, Zuddas A, ADHD European Guidelines Group (2009) The MTA at 8. J Am Child Adol Psych 48:1120–1121CrossRef Banaschewski T, Buitelaar J, Coghill DR, Sergeant JA, Sonuga-Barke E, Zuddas A, ADHD European Guidelines Group (2009) The MTA at 8. J Am Child Adol Psych 48:1120–1121CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Bäuml J, Froböse T, Kraemer S, Rentrop M, Pitschel-Walz G (2006) Psychoeducation: a basic psychotherapeutic intervention for patients with schizophrenia and their families. Schi Bull 32:S1–S9CrossRef Bäuml J, Froböse T, Kraemer S, Rentrop M, Pitschel-Walz G (2006) Psychoeducation: a basic psychotherapeutic intervention for patients with schizophrenia and their families. Schi Bull 32:S1–S9CrossRef
7.
go back to reference Brassard MR, Boehm AE (2008) Preschool assessment: principles and practices. Guilford Press, New York Brassard MR, Boehm AE (2008) Preschool assessment: principles and practices. Guilford Press, New York
8.
go back to reference Buchanan A (1996) Compliance with treatment in schizophrenia. Maudsley Monographs 37. Psychology Press. Taylor & Francis Buchanan A (1996) Compliance with treatment in schizophrenia. Maudsley Monographs 37. Psychology Press. Taylor & Francis
9.
go back to reference Chronis AM, Chacko A, Fabiano GA et al (2004) Enhancements to the behavioral parent training paradigm for families of children with ADHD: review and future directions. Clin Child Fam Psychol 7:1–27CrossRef Chronis AM, Chacko A, Fabiano GA et al (2004) Enhancements to the behavioral parent training paradigm for families of children with ADHD: review and future directions. Clin Child Fam Psychol 7:1–27CrossRef
10.
go back to reference Cohen J (1988) Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Lawrence Erblaum, Hillsdale Cohen J (1988) Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Lawrence Erblaum, Hillsdale
11.
go back to reference Colom F, Vieta E, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, Torrent C, Goikolea JM, Gastó C (2003) Psychoeducation efficacy in bipolar disorders: beyond compliance enhancement. J Clin Psych 64:1101–1105CrossRef Colom F, Vieta E, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, Torrent C, Goikolea JM, Gastó C (2003) Psychoeducation efficacy in bipolar disorders: beyond compliance enhancement. J Clin Psych 64:1101–1105CrossRef
12.
go back to reference Colom F, Vieta E, Sánchez-Moreno J et al (2009) Group psychoeducation for stabilised bipolar disorders: 5-year outcome of a randomised clinical trial. Br J Psych 194:571CrossRef Colom F, Vieta E, Sánchez-Moreno J et al (2009) Group psychoeducation for stabilised bipolar disorders: 5-year outcome of a randomised clinical trial. Br J Psych 194:571CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Colom F, Vieta E, Scott J (2006) Psychoeducation manual for bipolar disorder. Cambridge Uni Press, CambridgeCrossRef Colom F, Vieta E, Scott J (2006) Psychoeducation manual for bipolar disorder. Cambridge Uni Press, CambridgeCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Conners CK (1989) Conners’ rating scales manual. Multi Heal Systems, New York Conners CK (1989) Conners’ rating scales manual. Multi Heal Systems, New York
15.
go back to reference Corkum P, Rimer P, Schachar R (1999) Parental knowledge of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and opinions of treatment options: impact on enrolment and adherence to a 12-month treatment trial. Can J Psych 44:1043–1048 Corkum P, Rimer P, Schachar R (1999) Parental knowledge of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and opinions of treatment options: impact on enrolment and adherence to a 12-month treatment trial. Can J Psych 44:1043–1048
16.
go back to reference Danckaerts M, Sonuga-Barke EJ, Banaschewski T et al (2010) The quality of life of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review. Eur Child Adol Psych 19:83–105CrossRef Danckaerts M, Sonuga-Barke EJ, Banaschewski T et al (2010) The quality of life of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review. Eur Child Adol Psych 19:83–105CrossRef
17.
go back to reference DuPaul GJ (1991) Parent and teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms: psychometric properties in a community-based sample. J Clin Child Psychol 20:245–253CrossRef DuPaul GJ (1991) Parent and teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms: psychometric properties in a community-based sample. J Clin Child Psychol 20:245–253CrossRef
18.
go back to reference Escobar R, Hervas A, Soutullo C et al (2008) Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: burden of the disease according to subtypes in recently diagnosed children. Actas Esp Psych 36:285–294 Escobar R, Hervas A, Soutullo C et al (2008) Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: burden of the disease according to subtypes in recently diagnosed children. Actas Esp Psych 36:285–294
19.
go back to reference Eyberg SM, Nelson NM, Boggs SR (2008) Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with disruptive behavior. J Clin Child Adol Psychol 37:215–237CrossRef Eyberg SM, Nelson NM, Boggs SR (2008) Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with disruptive behavior. J Clin Child Adol Psychol 37:215–237CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Fabiano GA, Pelham WE, Cunningham CE et al (2012) A waitlist-controlled trial of behavioral parent training for fathers of children with ADHD. J Clin Child Adol Psych 41:337–345CrossRef Fabiano GA, Pelham WE, Cunningham CE et al (2012) A waitlist-controlled trial of behavioral parent training for fathers of children with ADHD. J Clin Child Adol Psych 41:337–345CrossRef
21.
go back to reference Farré-Riba A, Narbona J (1997) Conner′s rating scales in the assessment of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD). A new validation and factor analysis in Spanish children. Rev Neurol 25:200–204PubMed Farré-Riba A, Narbona J (1997) Conner′s rating scales in the assessment of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD). A new validation and factor analysis in Spanish children. Rev Neurol 25:200–204PubMed
22.
go back to reference Ferrin M, Taylor E (2011) Child and caregiver issues in treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder: education, adherence and treatment choice. Fut Neurol 6:399–413 Ferrin M, Taylor E (2011) Child and caregiver issues in treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder: education, adherence and treatment choice. Fut Neurol 6:399–413
23.
go back to reference Goodman R (2001) Psychometric properties of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 40:1337–1345CrossRef Goodman R (2001) Psychometric properties of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 40:1337–1345CrossRef
24.
go back to reference Graham J, Banaschewski T, Buitelaar J et al (2011) European guidelines on managing adverse effects of medication for ADHD. Europ Child Adol Psych 20:17–37CrossRef Graham J, Banaschewski T, Buitelaar J et al (2011) European guidelines on managing adverse effects of medication for ADHD. Europ Child Adol Psych 20:17–37CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Guy W (1976) Assessment manual for psychopharmacology, Revised. US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Rockville Guy W (1976) Assessment manual for psychopharmacology, Revised. US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Rockville
26.
go back to reference Haskett ME, Ahern LS, Ward CS, Allaire JC (2006) Factor structure and validity of the parenting stress index-short form. J Clin Child Adol Psych 35:302–312CrossRef Haskett ME, Ahern LS, Ward CS, Allaire JC (2006) Factor structure and validity of the parenting stress index-short form. J Clin Child Adol Psych 35:302–312CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Huang-Pollock CL, Karalunas SL, Tam H, Moore AN (2012) Evaluating vigilance deficits in ADHD: a meta-analysis of CPT performance. J Abnor Child Psychol 121:360–371CrossRef Huang-Pollock CL, Karalunas SL, Tam H, Moore AN (2012) Evaluating vigilance deficits in ADHD: a meta-analysis of CPT performance. J Abnor Child Psychol 121:360–371CrossRef
28.
go back to reference Ialongo NS, Horn WF, Pascoe JM et al (1993) The effects of a multimodal intervention with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder children: a 9-month follow-up. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 32:182–189CrossRef Ialongo NS, Horn WF, Pascoe JM et al (1993) The effects of a multimodal intervention with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder children: a 9-month follow-up. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 32:182–189CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Jadad A, Enkin M (2007) Randomised controlled trials: a user’s guide, 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, BMJ Publishing Group, OxfordCrossRef Jadad A, Enkin M (2007) Randomised controlled trials: a user’s guide, 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, BMJ Publishing Group, OxfordCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Kampman O, Laippala P, Väänänen J et al (2000) Indicators of medication compliance in first-episode psychosis. Psych Res 110:39–48CrossRef Kampman O, Laippala P, Väänänen J et al (2000) Indicators of medication compliance in first-episode psychosis. Psych Res 110:39–48CrossRef
31.
go back to reference Kaufman J, Birmaher B, Brent DA et al (2000) K-SADS-PL. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 39:49–58CrossRef Kaufman J, Birmaher B, Brent DA et al (2000) K-SADS-PL. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 39:49–58CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Lambek R, Tannock R, Dalsgaard S, Trillingsgaard A, Damm D, Thomsen PH (2011) Executive dysfunction in school-age children with ADHD. J Attent Dis 15:646–655CrossRef Lambek R, Tannock R, Dalsgaard S, Trillingsgaard A, Damm D, Thomsen PH (2011) Executive dysfunction in school-age children with ADHD. J Attent Dis 15:646–655CrossRef
33.
go back to reference Langberg JM, Arnold LE, Flowers AM et al (2010) Parent-reported homework problems in the MTA study: evidence for sustained improvement with behavioral treatment. J Clin Child Adol Psych 39:220–233CrossRef Langberg JM, Arnold LE, Flowers AM et al (2010) Parent-reported homework problems in the MTA study: evidence for sustained improvement with behavioral treatment. J Clin Child Adol Psych 39:220–233CrossRef
34.
go back to reference Matza LS, Secnik K, Mannix S, Sallee FR (2005) Parent-proxy EQ-5D ratings of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the US and the UK. Pharmacoecon 23:777–790CrossRef Matza LS, Secnik K, Mannix S, Sallee FR (2005) Parent-proxy EQ-5D ratings of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the US and the UK. Pharmacoecon 23:777–790CrossRef
35.
go back to reference Molina BS, Hinshaw SP, Swanson JM et al (2009) The MTA at 8 years: prospective follow-up of children treated for combined-type ADHD in a multisite study. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 48:484–500CrossRef Molina BS, Hinshaw SP, Swanson JM et al (2009) The MTA at 8 years: prospective follow-up of children treated for combined-type ADHD in a multisite study. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 48:484–500CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Montoya A, Colom F, Ferrin M (2011) Is psychoeducation for parents and teachers of children and adolescents with ADHD efficacious? A systematic literature review. Europ Psych 26:166–175CrossRef Montoya A, Colom F, Ferrin M (2011) Is psychoeducation for parents and teachers of children and adolescents with ADHD efficacious? A systematic literature review. Europ Psych 26:166–175CrossRef
37.
go back to reference MTA Cooperative Group (1999) A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 56:1073–1086CrossRef MTA Cooperative Group (1999) A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 56:1073–1086CrossRef
38.
go back to reference National Collaborating Centre for mental Health (2008) Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. National Clinical Practice Guideline Number 72 National Collaborating Centre for mental Health (2008) Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. National Clinical Practice Guideline Number 72
39.
go back to reference Neiderhiser JM, Reiss D, Hetherington EM, Plomin R (1999) Relationships between parenting and adolescent adjustment over time: genetic and environmental contributions. Dev Psychol 35:680–692PubMedCrossRef Neiderhiser JM, Reiss D, Hetherington EM, Plomin R (1999) Relationships between parenting and adolescent adjustment over time: genetic and environmental contributions. Dev Psychol 35:680–692PubMedCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Pelham WE Jr, Fabiano GA (2008) Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Child Adol Psychol 37:184–214CrossRef Pelham WE Jr, Fabiano GA (2008) Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Child Adol Psychol 37:184–214CrossRef
41.
go back to reference Solis ML, Abidin R (1991) The Spanish version parenting stress index: a psychometric study. J Clin Child Adol Psych 20:372–378CrossRef Solis ML, Abidin R (1991) The Spanish version parenting stress index: a psychometric study. J Clin Child Adol Psych 20:372–378CrossRef
42.
go back to reference Sonuga-Barke EJS, Brandeis D, Cortese S et al (2013) Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of dietary and psychological treatments. Am J Psych 170:275–289CrossRef Sonuga-Barke EJS, Brandeis D, Cortese S et al (2013) Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of dietary and psychological treatments. Am J Psych 170:275–289CrossRef
43.
go back to reference Sonuga-Barke E, Brandeis D, Cortese S et al (2013) Response to Chronis-Tuscano et al. and Arns and Strehl. Am J Psychiatry 170:800–802PubMedCrossRef Sonuga-Barke E, Brandeis D, Cortese S et al (2013) Response to Chronis-Tuscano et al. and Arns and Strehl. Am J Psychiatry 170:800–802PubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Sonuga-Barke EJS, Daley D, Thompson M, Laver-Bradbury C, Weeks A (2001) Parent based therapies for pre-school attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, controlled trial with a community sample. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 40:402–408CrossRef Sonuga-Barke EJS, Daley D, Thompson M, Laver-Bradbury C, Weeks A (2001) Parent based therapies for pre-school attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, controlled trial with a community sample. J Am Acad Child Adol Psych 40:402–408CrossRef
45.
go back to reference Swanson JM, McBurnett K, Wigal T et al (1993) Effect of stimulant medication on children with attention-deficit disorder: a review of reviews. Exc Childr 60:154–162 Swanson JM, McBurnett K, Wigal T et al (1993) Effect of stimulant medication on children with attention-deficit disorder: a review of reviews. Exc Childr 60:154–162
46.
go back to reference Tabachnick BG, Fidell LS (2001) Using multivariable statistics, 3rd edn. Harper Collins, New York Tabachnick BG, Fidell LS (2001) Using multivariable statistics, 3rd edn. Harper Collins, New York
47.
go back to reference Thompson K, Kulkarni J, Sergejew AA (2000) Reliability and validity of a new medication adherence rating scale (MARS) for the psychoses. Schizophr Res 42:241–247PubMedCrossRef Thompson K, Kulkarni J, Sergejew AA (2000) Reliability and validity of a new medication adherence rating scale (MARS) for the psychoses. Schizophr Res 42:241–247PubMedCrossRef
48.
go back to reference Ulloa RE, Ortiz S, Higuera F, Nogales I, Fresán A, Apiquian R (2006) Interrater reliability of the Spanish version of schedule for affective disorders and Schizophrenia for school-age children-present and lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). Actas Esp Psych 34:36–40 Ulloa RE, Ortiz S, Higuera F, Nogales I, Fresán A, Apiquian R (2006) Interrater reliability of the Spanish version of schedule for affective disorders and Schizophrenia for school-age children-present and lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). Actas Esp Psych 34:36–40
49.
go back to reference Varni JW, Sherman SA, Burwinkle TM, Dickinson PE, Dixon P (2004) The PedsQL™ family impact module: preliminary reliability and validity. Health Qual Life Out 2:55CrossRef Varni JW, Sherman SA, Burwinkle TM, Dickinson PE, Dixon P (2004) The PedsQL™ family impact module: preliminary reliability and validity. Health Qual Life Out 2:55CrossRef
50.
go back to reference Young S, Amarasinghe JM (2010) Practitioner review: non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD: a lifespan approach. J Child Psychol Psychia 51:116–133CrossRef Young S, Amarasinghe JM (2010) Practitioner review: non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD: a lifespan approach. J Child Psychol Psychia 51:116–133CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Evaluation of a psychoeducation programme for parents of children and adolescents with ADHD: immediate and long-term effects using a blind randomized controlled trial
Authors
Maite Ferrin
J. M. Moreno-Granados
M. D. Salcedo-Marin
M. Ruiz-Veguilla
V. Perez-Ayala
E. Taylor
Publication date
01-08-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-013-0494-7

Other articles of this Issue 8/2014

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 8/2014 Go to the issue