Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Paediatrics
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: psychosocial interventions for young people
Recent articles on:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Recent articles on:
Child mental health
Child mental health
Abstract
Secondary symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and co-occurring problems can persist in young people despite medication and be crucial to long-term prognosis. They include social, learning and behavioural difficulties and mental health problems. Psychosocial assessment and interventions such as behavioural management programs and school support are important components of treatment.
Key Points
- Secondary symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as social, learning and behavioural difficulties, can be crucial to the long-term prognosis of young people with this condition and can persist even with pharmacological treatment.
- Co-occurring problems, especially language-based learning difficulties, can contribute to primary and secondary ADHD symptoms and influence psychological therapies.
- A comprehensive assessment to identify secondary symptoms and co-occurring problems is essential in young people with ADHD.
- Secondary symptoms and co-occurring problems vary greatly between individuals, suggesting that there is no ‘one size fits all’ psychosocial intervention.
- Treatment of ADHD is most effective when a combination of cognitive behavioural management strategies, school support and medication is used, with allied health referral when appropriate.
Picture credit: © Alamy/Wonderlandstock/Diomedia.com. Model used for illustrative purposes only.
Purchase the PDF version of this article
Already a subscriber? Login here.