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



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.



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.



Non-pharmacological interventions may improve important domains of functioning for children with ADHD and anxiety, including ADHD symptom severity.
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.|2 The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.|3 The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Emma
E
Sciberras
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.
Melissa
M
Mulraney
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.|2 The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.|3 The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Vicki
V
Anderson
4 Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Ronald M
RM
Rapee
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.|5 La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
Jan M
JM
Nicholson
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.|2 The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.|3 The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Daryl
D
Efron
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.|3 The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Katherine
K
Lee
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.
Zoe
Z
Markopoulos
1 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.|2 The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.|3 The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Harriet
H
Hiscock
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
ADHD; anxiety; children; cognitive-behavioral therapy; randomized controlled trial