This study evaluates the efficacy of the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) to reduce inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity in children ages 6 - 8 years. Participants are parents or guardians of children diagnosed with, or suspected of, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants are randomized into the immediate (NHA) or delayed (Control) group.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends evidence-based parent and/or teacher behavioral therapy and/or medication to treat ADHD. A systematic review by Coates and colleagues found behavioral interventions decreased ADHD behaviors in children. The NHA is an intervention designed to teach parents a set of skills and attitudes to decrease ADHD in children. It has been applied in a number of settings from homes, schools, and foster care agencies both in several states in the U.S. and in over 16 countries. While widely accepted, the Approach has not been evaluated using scientifically rigorous methods.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
104
Based on three stands designed to reduce negative reactivity from parents/guardians, increase positive interactions, and set firm, clear limits.
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, United States
Inattention
Parent reported measure called Conners-3 Parent Short Form. Raw scores are converted into standardized T-scores using age- and sex-specific conversion standards. The minimum T-score is 40 and the maximum is 90. The six content subscales are inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems, executive function, defiance/aggression, and peer relations. Higher T-scores are worse.
Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention inattention to post-intervention inattention.
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Parent reported measure called Conners-3 Parent Short Form. Raw scores are converted into standardized T-scores using age- and sex-specific conversion standards. The minimum T-score is 40 and the maximum is 90. The six content subscales are inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems, executive function, defiance/aggression, and peer relations. Higher T-scores are worse.
Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention hyperactivity/impulsivity to post-intervention hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Parental Stress
Parent reported measure called Parenting Stress Index - 4 Short Form. Scores are summed. A minimum raw score possible is 36 and maximum is 180. Higher values are worse.
Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention parental stress to post-intervention parental stress.
Parenting Competency
Parent reported measure called Parenting Sense of Competence. Scores are summed. A minimum score possible is 16 and maximum is 96. Higher value is a better outcome.
Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention parenting competency to post-intervention parenting competency.
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