Parent Training for ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that parent training can be an effective way to help children with ADHD, especially younger ones. It often focuses on teaching parents strategies to manage challenging behaviors and improve family interactions. While parent training is generally seen as beneficial, some studies show mixed results or have limitations. It is also important to consider that medication and other therapies can be used in combination with parent training.

Key findings

• Behavioral parent training is a recommended first-line treatment for preschool-aged children with ADHD, sometimes even before medication.
• Parent training programs can help improve a child's behavior by teaching parents how to use clear instructions, positive reinforcement, and consistent discipline.
• For children aged 3-5 years, behavioral parent training can be an effective option, either alone or in combination with medication.
• While parental rearing styles and family environment are important, genetic factors also play a significant role in a child developing ADHD.
• Evidence for social skills training alone to help with core ADHD symptoms like inattention or hyperactivity is limited and mixed, suggesting it might be more helpful when combined with other approaches.

Studies cited (3)

1. All in the Family? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Parenting and Family Environment as Risk Factors for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children — Claussen AH, Holbrook JR, Hutchins HJ (2024, Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01358-4 PMCID: PMC9017071

2. Efficacy and safety of methylphenidate and behavioural parent training for children aged 3-5 years with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and sham behavioural parent training-controlled trial — Sugaya LS, Salum GA, de Sousa Gurgel W (2022, The Lancet. Child & adolescent health, rct)

   DOI: 10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00279-6 PMCID: PMC9731509

3. Parent training interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 5 to 18 years — Zwi M, Jones H, Thorgaard C (2011, The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, other)

   DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003018.pub3 PMCID: PMC6544776