Evaluation of parent training combined with drug therapy in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective To assess the efficacy of two different methods for treating children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Methods Sixty children from grade 1~6who met the DSM-Ⅳ diagnostic criteria with ADHD were randomized to parent training combined with atomoxetine hydrochloride group(30cases,the intervention group)and only atomoxetine hydrochloride treatment group(30cases,the control group).Parents of the intervention group were given systematic training for twelve weeks by child care specialists and specialist nurses;The control group was not given this intervention.Before and after the treatment,Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children(WISC)and Parents and Teachers Rating Scale(SNAP-Ⅳ)were used to evaluate the efficacy. Results In intervention group,ADHD symptom and SNAP-Ⅳ both decreased,intelligence quotient(IQ)scores and learning abilities improved,these differences were statistically significant(P0.05). Conclusions Parent training combined with atomoxetine hydrochloride can effectively improve the symptoms and study abilities of the children with ADHD,meanwhile it can promote communication and interaction between doctors and patients,relationship between parents and children comes better.This method is also easily accepted by parents and deserves to generalized in clinical practice.