Treating family conflicts and behavioral problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using parent-child interaction training and structural family therapy, single-case experimental design

This study proposes the need to combine social learning/system theory and behavioral therapy for long lasting positive therapeutic outcome in treating family conflicts and behavioral problems in children and in particular, with the diagnosis of ADHD. Case I: PCIT successfully combines system theory and behavioral strategies through a play therapy format for children 7 and under. Significant pre- to post-treatment changes in child's behavior and in parenting repertoire were found. Case II: Researchers have long recognized that ADHD is a disorder that typically follows a chronic course. Hence, treatment for ADHD children and their families desperately calls for a sequencing treatment modality to enable ADHD children and their families transition to an approach that could accommodate their evolving needs. Case two documents the successful use of Structural Behavioral Therapy, an approach created by this author, which combines Structural Family therapy and behavioral strategies derived from Parent Management Training in the treatment of a family and a child over the age of 7 with the diagnosis of ADHD.