Internal Seminar: Shizuka Shimabukuro, A randomized controlled trial of a parenting intervention for Japanese mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity

Internal Seminar: Shizuka Shimabukuro, Postdoctoral Researcher, Human Developmental Neurobiology Unit (Tripp Unit), Language: English, no interpretation 

Title: A randomized controlled trial of a parenting intervention for Japanese mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity

Abstract: 

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder associated with numerous functional deficits and poor long-term outcomes. Internationally, behavioral interventions are recommended as part of a multimodal treatment approach for children with ADHD. The availability of such interventions in Japan is limited.
Method: We conducted a randomized control trial with Japanese mothers of children with ADHD to examine the efficacy of a 13-session parent training. This program combines a culturally adapted group version of New Forest Parenting Programme (NFPP) for ADHD with skill building sessions to enhance mothers’ psychological well-being and increase their readiness to participant in parent management training. Participants were 52 mothers with a child, 6 to 12 years of age, with ADHD, randomly allocated to immediate treatment (n =28) or a wait-list control group (n = 24). 
Results: Participation in the program was associated with a decrease in children’s reported ADHD symptoms, aggression and internalizing problems. Mothers in the treatment group reported reductions in parenting stress, increased parenting self-esteem and more effective parenting practices. Objective ratings indicated less negative parent-child interactions 
Conclusions: This study is the first randomized control trial of a parent training intervention for Japanese mothers of children with ADHD. The study results are very promising and we are moving forward with evaluate the effectiveness of the program in other centers in Japan. If successful, the program will provide a culturally accessible parent training intervention for use alongside other treatments for ADHD to provide a comprehensive treatment package for Japanese children with ADHD and their families living in Japan.