A dyad approach to the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Objective. To study anxiety in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their mothers and to evaluate the efficacy of a dyad approach (simultaneous treatment of the mother and the child) to ADHD treatment. Material and methods. Thirty-four adolescents, aged 12—15 years, with ADHD and their mothers were studied. All participants of the study received anxiolytic treatment: children were treated with noophen (500 mg per day 45 days) and their mothers received adaptol (1500 mg per day 45 days). In the comparison group with the same clinical/psychological characteristics, anxiolytic therapy with noophen was used only in adolescents. Results Symptoms of anxiety were found in 61.7% of adolescents with ADHD and in 79.4% of the mothers. After the dyad therapy, an improvement was noted in 73.5% of adolescents and 69.7% of the mothers. There was an improvement in 63.3% of patients in the comparison group. Conclusion. The results demonstrate the high efficacy of the dyad approach in treatment of ADHD with comorbid anxiety disorders.