Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan WY(1), Wu MY(1), Hui KW(1), Ho KH(1), Fung SCC(1), Chow CKV(1), Chan KLP(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Psychiatry, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Since ineffective parenting leads to family conflicts and increases children’s behavioural problems, an improvement in parenting skills, by providing effective emotional support and assisting them to enhance executive function, may reduce caregivers’ stress and children’s symptoms. Although much efforts have been made in improving parenting skills for younger children’s caregivers, there had not been any programme targeting adolescents’ parents. Furthermore, the psychosocial needs and required parenting skills are unique in adolescents. In view of this, we have conducted the first local programme of parent-management training (PMT) specifically designed for caregivers of ADHD adolescents.
Objectives :
1. Improve ADHD adolescents’ behavioural problems 2. Reduce parents’ stress in parenting
Methodology :
Six 2-hourly PMT group sessions were held weekly. Each group recruited 8-10 ADHD adolescents’ parents. The training group included etiology of ADHD in adolescent, emotional regulation, positive feedback, executive function, negotiation and set contract in form of group discussion, scenario demonstration, role play and skills transfer. Buddy calls and feedback sessions were given to participants between sessions in order to consolidate their skills. Child behavior checklist (CBCL) and parent stress scale (PSS) were conducted in the first and last session. Participants’ satisfaction was evaluated.
Result & Outcome :
33 parents had completed the adolescent PMT group. Comparing CBCL score with the baseline, 70% parents noted their adolescents had improvement in externalising behaviours after training and 95% improvement in Total score. Parents reported less aggressive behaviour and delinquent behaviour after effective communication and emotional regulation. 37.5% parents reported reduced stress in PSS. Parents experienced more stress when set rules with adolescent even though they had behavioral improvement. 100% parents evaluated that the group content was practical and useful. PMT group is a cost-effective intervention in empowering carers to support ADHD adolescents. Parents reported improvement in parent-child relationship, parenting skills and behavioral problem after PMT. It should be recommended to all parents of adolescents with ADHD.
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