Assessment of outcome of an ADHD treatment program using parent feedback
<strong>Background</strong> Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behaviour disorder in children where the associated aggressive tendencies, learning difficulties and poor social skills pose a substantial burden of care on the parents. However, in traditional clinic...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists
2010-12-01
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| Series: | Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://sljpsyc.sljol.info/articles/2575 |
| Summary: | <strong>Background</strong> Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behaviour disorder in children where the associated aggressive tendencies, learning difficulties and poor social skills pose a substantial burden of care on the parents. However, in traditional clinical practice, parental expectation of outcome of treatment is rarely considered. <br /><br /><strong>Aims</strong> This study prospectively analysed an outpatient treatment programme for children with ADHD, where parents provided feedback on the outcome of treatment. <br /><br /><strong>Methods</strong> Parents completed structured formats to provide information on presenting complaints, outcome at 3 months and 6 months after commencing treatment and side effects of the drug methylphenidate. Parents also attended psycho-educational and support groups. <br /><br /><strong>Results</strong> Of the 102 patients, parents reported a positive outcome in the majority. There was significantly better improvement in symptoms of ADHD at 6 months when compared to 3 months of treatment (p<0.005). Also, hyperactivity improved more than attention deficit and impulsiveness at the end of 6 months, though persistence of learning difficulties (50%) and disruptive behaviour were causes for dissatisfaction about treatment. The commonest side effect was poor appetite (49%), though none of the children had identifiable weight loss. <br /><br /><strong>Conclusions</strong> Close involvement of parents in monitoring outcome of treatment of ADHD helps to focus on aspects of care relevant to them. <br /><br />DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v1i2.2575<br /><br />SL J Psychiatry 2010; 1 (2):51-55 |
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| ISSN: | 2012-6883 2579-2008 |