Research Review - The effectiveness of parent training programs for children with ADHD aged 6-11 years: A systematic review

BackgroundChildren with ADHD experience attachment difficulties. They also report poor self-esteem and self-concept, often due to experiences within the parent-child attachment relationship when children are 6-11 years of age (developmental stage, industry versus inferiority). This systematic review examines the efficacy of parent training (PT) for this cohort of children.MethodsFive databases (Medline, PsycArticles, CINAHL, EMBASE, ProQuest Dissertations) were searched from inception to 13 March 2024. Studies, written in English, were eligible for inclusion if they were randomised controlled trials and examined the impact of PT on parent or child outcomes for 6–11-year-old children with ADHD. The review followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines. For each study we calculated the effect of the intervention on the outcome of interest relative to the control condition.Results631 papers were screened; 7 studies (9 papers) were included in the review. Studies and study findings were highly heterogeneous, with over 70% of trials being at risk of bias. Five studies examined a behavioural-based PT intervention; one, a mindfulness enhanced behavioural PT intervention; and another, parent friendship coaching. The effect of PT on ADHD symptoms was short-lived and not backed by blinded reports. No evidence was found to indicate PT improves child mental health outcomes or the quality of the parent-child attachment relationship. Findings of the effects of PT on parenting behaviours were mixed, limiting the ability to draw conclusions. There is some evidence that PT may improve parental stress and self-efficacy in the short term. No studies examined whether PT empowers parents to foster in their children traits known to be important for living well with ADHD.ConclusionThere is insufficient evidence to indicate current PT interventions are efficacious for improving parenting practices or child health outcomes for 6–11-year-old children with ADHD. Addressing this needs to be a priority.