OBJECTIVES: This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of parent training in attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the positive parenting programme (Triple P) on ADHD symptoms, functionality, severity of disease, and behavioural and emotional problems of children. An additional aim was to evaluate the potential effects of Triple P on parental attitudes and family functioning of children with ADHD.
METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled study. A total of 48 subjects aged between 7 and 12 years, who were diagnosed as ADHD by Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Life-time Kiddie (K-SADS-PL). Following randomization into two equal groups, mothers of the first group participated to Group Triple-P Programme while the second group was receiving no treatment. The two groups were compared right before and after the intervention on rates of ADHD symptoms, emotional, behavioural variables, family functioning and parental attitudes.
RESULTS: When we compared the results before and after the implementation of Triple P in the intervention group, there was a statistically significant increase in CGAS scores, and a statistically significant decrease in CGI scores. There was a statistically significant decrease subscale scores of SDQ; and total score of the DuPaul Questionnaire; a statistically significant decrease in problem solving, communication, roles in family, affective sensitivity, behaviour controlling, and general functioning subscale scores in FAD; a statistically significant decrease of parenting attitude, hostility, and rejecting attitude, and authoritarian attitude subscale scores; and a statistically significant increase in democratic attitude subscale scores of PARI.
CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that Triple P could be useful in the treatment of children with ADHD, but further studies about Triple P on children with ADHD are needed.