Extra Help for Kids With ADHD

(HealthScoutNews) -- Group classes that teach behavioral and social skills may benefit children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their parents, says an American study.

The classes would be a supplement to standard care that includes medication.

The findings appear in the February issue of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

ADHD affects 3 percent to 5 percent of school-aged children in the United States. It's usually treated solely with stimulant medications, which help reduce core symptoms such as hyperactivity.

This study included 100 children, aged 5 to 12, who were recently diagnosed with ADHD and were all receiving stimulant medication treatment.

More than half of the children and their parents were assigned to an eight-week behavioral and social skills class. The remaining children and their parents did not take any classes.

The class presented common ADHD case histories and included exercises on listening, self-esteem and friendship- building.

After three and six months, the parents and teachers of the children taking the class were interviewed to assess the effectiveness of the class.

Parents of children in the class reported more consistent use of discipline practices with their children, who had significantly fewer ADHD symptoms than the children not enrolled in the classes.

More information

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