Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an after-school program for middle schoolers with ADHD: a randomized trial in a large public middle school.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study tests the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an after-school treatment program for middle schoolers with ADHD using a randomized clinical trial design.


METHODS
A total of 23 students with ADHD (25% female, 48% African American) from a large public middle school were randomly assigned to a 10-week program or to community comparison. Manualized treatment targeted educational, social, and recreational skills, homework completion, and school and home behavior. Parents participated.


RESULTS
Recruitment and randomization targets were easily met (87% completion). Parent and teacher satisfaction was positive. Small to medium treatment effects resulted despite greater medication use in the control group, with improvements in functioning for the program-treated youth or absence of deterioration relative to the comparison group.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite testing an abbreviated version of the after-school program (< 5 months), this study reveals feasibility and palatability for this intervention and modest beneficial effects on behavioral and academic outcomes.
Molina
Brooke S G
BS
Youth and Family Research Program, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. molinab@upmc.edu
Flory
Kate
K
Bukstein
Oscar G
OG
Greiner
Andrew R
AR
Baker
Jennifer L
JL
Krug
Vicky
V
Evans
Steven W
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D035061:Control Groups; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D004522:Educational Status; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome