Exploring the Relationships Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Domains and Treatment Outcomes in the Coping Power Program

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are highly comorbid. The Coping Power Program is designed for children with or at-risk for aggressive behaviors and is often used to treat ODD. The current study builds upon the work of Lochman et al. (2015) and seeks to test whether ADHD symptoms can be altered using the Coping Power Program, through what mechanisms these changes might occur, and whether ADHD symptoms might predict treatment response. We hypothesized that participants in both conditions would see reduced ADHD symptoms. We also hypothesized that deficits in inhibitory control would mediate the effects of treatment. Lastly, we hypothesized that those with greater attention problems prior to treatment would not be as successful in the group condition compared to the individual condition. We found both parent and teacher-reported attention problems and hyperactivity levels decreased over time and those in the individual condition had a greater reduction in both symptom domains relative to the group condition according to teachers; however, group status did not predict change in parent-reported attention problems. Findings also support that those in the individual condition had greater decline in parent-reported aggression relative to the group condition; however, at low levels of inattention, those in the individual condition saw less of a decline in aggression than those in the group condition. Additionally, those with higher levels of hyperactivity saw a greater decline in parent-reported aggression. Mediation analyses were not significant. Findings generally support the Coping Power Program as an efficacious intervention for ADHD. Future research should continue to investigate intervention efficacy to contribute to advancements in treatments for ADHD.