Managing Anxiety in Children With ADHD Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Sciberras, Emma
Mulraney, Melissa
Anderson, Vicki
Rapee, Ronald M.
Nicholson, Jan M.
Efron, Daryl
Lee, Katherine
Markopoulos, Zoe
Hiscock, Harriet

¹Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
²The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia
³The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
⁴Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
⁵La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Emma Sciberras, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. Email: [email protected]

Journal of Attention Disorders 22(5):p 515-520, March 2018. | DOI: 10.1177/1087054715584054

Objective: This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the acceptability and feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for children with ADHD and anxiety, and provided preliminary information on child and family outcomes. Method: Children with ADHD and anxiety (8-12 years) were randomized to receive an adapted version of the Cool Kids CBT program or usual clinical care. Key outcomes included feasibility and acceptability of the intervention (participant enrollment, drop-out, intervention session attendance), remission of anxiety assessed via diagnostic interview, ADHD symptom severity, quality of life (QoL), and parent mental health. Results: Twelve children participated (67% uptake). Most families attended all 10 intervention sessions, with no drop-outs. Intervention participants had marked improvements in both child and family well-being by parent and teacher report, including anxiety, ADHD symptom severity, QoL, and parent mental health. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions may improve important domains of functioning for children with ADHD and anxiety, including ADHD symptom severity.