A Parent-Based Intervention Programme Involving Preschoolers With AD/HD Behaviours: Are Children's and Mothers' Effects Sustained Over Time?

Fernandes Azevedo A., Seabra-Santos M.J., Gaspar M.F., Homem T. (2013). A parent-based intervention programme involving preschoolers with AD/HD behaviours: are children's and mothers' effects sustained over time? European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 23(6):437-450 (2014). doi: 10.1007/s00787-013-0470-2.

Abstract: To evaluate the 12-month efficacy of a parentbased intervention programme on children's and mothers' outcomes in a sample of Portuguese preschoolers displaying early hyperactive and inattentive behaviours (AD/HD behaviours), 52 preschool children whose mothers had received the Incredible Years basic parent training (IY) were followed from baseline to 12 months of follow-up. Reported and observational measures were used. Effects were found in the children's reported AD/HD behaviours at home and at school after 12 months. Large effect sizes were also found in mothers' variables: a decrease in selfreported dysfunctional parenting practices and an improved sense of competence and observed positive parenting. However, the improvements in coaching skills that have been observed after 6 months of follow-up decreased over time. No other significant differences were found between 6 and 12 months follow-up, with small effect sizes indicating that the significant post-intervention changes in child and parenting measures were maintained. After 12 months of follow-up, there was a clinically important reduction of over 30% in reported AD/HD behaviours in 59% of children. The sustained effects observed both for children and their mothers suggest long-term benefits of IY. Therefore, efforts should be made by Portuguese policy makers and professionals to deliver IY as an early preventive intervention for children displaying early AD/HD behaviours.