Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 Mar;22(5):515-520.
doi: 10.1177/1087054715584054. Epub 2015 May 4.

Managing Anxiety in Children With ADHD Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Emma Sciberras  1   2   3 , Melissa Mulraney  1 , Vicki Anderson  1   2   3 , Ronald M Rapee  4 , Jan M Nicholson  1   5 , Daryl Efron  1   2   3 , Katherine Lee  1   3 , Zoe Markopoulos  1 , Harriet Hiscock  1   2   3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Managing Anxiety in Children With ADHD Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Emma Sciberras et al. J Atten Disord. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: ADHD; anxiety; children; cognitive-behavioral therapy; randomized controlled trial.

PubMed Disclaimer

Publication types