The aims of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of a co-designed individually-tailored Internet intervention for parents of children with ADHD.
Attention/deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a prevalent mental health problem in children with a significant impact on children, families and society. Despite the fact that evidence-based treatment exists, with pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options available, a significant percentage of children do not have access to treatment. Behavioral parent training is recommended as first line treatment for children with ADHD, however, parents face numerous challenges in access, and even when they access BPT, dropout rates are high. Technology could improve access to evidence-based treatments and surpass existent gaps. For instance, Internet interventions are associated with moderate to large effect sizes for anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults. Participants included in this study, namely parents of children diagnosed with ADHD (aged 6-11 years) will be randomized either to ADHDCoach intervention or Treatment as usual.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
86
ADHDCoach is an individually-tailored intervention to reduce parents' of children diagnosed with ADHD distress.
Treatment as usual in the outpatient clinic
Babes-Bolyai University
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Changes in parental psychological distress
The Patient Health Questionnaire will be used to assess changes in parental anxiety and depressive symptoms from pre-treatment to post-treatment and follow-up. Scores range between 0 and 12, higher scores indicate higher anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and follow-up at 3 months after treatment termination
Changes in child ADHD symptoms
The ADHD Rating Scale-5 Home version is a 18 items scale measuring Inattention and Hyperactivity in children. Scores range from 0 to 54, higher scores indicate higher ADHD symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and follow-up at 3 months after treatment termination
Changes in parenting
The Alabama Parenting Questionnaire- short form consists of 9 items rated on a 5 points Likert scale (1 - Never, 5 - Always). Scores will be reported for positive parenting, poor monitoring and inconsistent discipline. For each subscale, scores range between 1 and 15. Higher scores for positive parenting subscale indicate higher positive parenting practices, while higher scores for poor monitoring and inconsistent discipline indicate higher negative parenting practices.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and follow-up at 3 months after treatment termination
Changes in parent-child closeness
Parent-child closeness will be measured via three items in line with previous research. Answers are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). Scores range from 0 to 15, higher scores indicate higher parent-child closeness.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and follow-up at 3 months after treatment termination
ADHD adult
The Adult Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5 consists of 6 items, rated on a 5 points Likert scale (0 - Never, 4 - Very often). Scores range from 0 to 24. Higher scores indicate higher ADHD symptoms.
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Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and follow-up at 3 months after treatment termination
Changes in ADHD Knowledge
A knowledge test regarding ADHD symptoms, causes and treatment was developed for the presents study. The scale consists of 15 items with a True or False choice. Scores are also rated on the certainty of the answers provided. Total scores range from 0 to 15. Higher scores indicate a better knowledge regarding ADHD.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks and follow-up at 3 months after treatment termination
Satisfaction with the intervention
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8. Scores range between 0 and 32, higher scores indicate higher satisfaction with the intervention.
Time frame: At 4 weeks after treatment initiation