Behavioral Parent Training Groups for ADHD in Clinical Settings: Does Offering a Concurrent Child Group Add Value?

Abstract

There is strong evidence for the efficacy of behavioral parent training (BPT) for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, BPT can be difficult to access in many communities, which may be due to practical considerations including whether to offer concurrent child groups. Few studies have specifically examined whether concurrent child treatment is beneficial for ADHD—particularly in real-world clinical settings (i.e., not in a formal research context). Concurrent child groups may improve adherence as they address a practical barrier to attendance, and may boost treatment outcomes given the additional treatment provided directly to children. However, this should be empirically verified given that offering concurrent child treatment poses a number of practical and costly challenges (e.g., extra staff, extra space) that are not recouped by insurance reimbursement. This preliminary study explores whether offering concurrent child treatment groups provides added treatment benefits in a sample of convenience obtained from an outpatient clinic. Data was collected from 241 parents of 6- to 12-year-old children with ADHD who attended 1 of 37 8-session BPT groups, of which 15 offered a concurrent child group. Parents completed ratings of child impairment and parenting confidence at the first and last BPT session. Results showed that clinical improvement was equitable regardless of whether a concurrent child group was attended, and there were no demographic or clinical differences between those who opted to attend the parent+child groups and those who did not. Suggestions are provided for clinicians who may decide to discontinue offering concurrent child groups.