Will children with adhd truly benefit from behavior therapy?

Yes, Potentially: There are many research studies that support the idea that various behavioral therapies are helpful for adhd. However, it is important to stick with the behavioral techniques in a rigorous and consistent manner. They must be continued over the long run.

They can: Well-designed and applied behavioral therapy is as effective in controlling adhd symptoms as are adhd medications. However, both require ongoing use to maintain efficacy. Adhd is a chronic disorder & no current interventions offer a cure, so be sure to use interventions you can sustain over time. With maturity, children may be able to take over aspects of self-monitoring, but structure is key.

Sometimes: If adhd pt isn't treated with medication, they can't learn properly so behavior therapy will be fruitless. Behavior therapy is a learning activity. It requires the ability to learn. Stimulant medications allow adhd pts to learn & benefit from any learning situation. Studies have demonstrated that counseling without medication is a waste of time. Once medication is in place, counseling is helpful.

Ideal treatment for: Adhd is multimodal: medications + behavioral therapy + environmental manipulations at home & school. In the seminal multi-site trial mta (multi-modal treatment of adhd) sponsored by nimh in 1999, behavior therapy alone for school-aged kids with adhd-combined type was effective in 35%. Medications alone or with behavior therapy was > 65% effective.The combo was esp. Useful for adhd + anxiety.