An Open Trial of a Brief Engagement Program for Caregivers of Children with ADHD

Abstract

ABSTRACT This open trial evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Bootcamp for ADHD (BC-ADHD), a novel, four-session, group intervention designed to prepare caregivers as informed consumers to engage in multimodal evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for ADHD. Participants were 59 primary caregivers (85% biologic mothers) of children recently diagnosed with ADHD within a co-located, subspecialty pediatric clinic (ages 5–11; 73% male). Results indicated BC-ADHD was feasible to deliver, as evidenced by high levels of program usability (i.e. content and process fidelity), and caregiver behavioral engagement (M attendance = 88%; M homework adherence = 2.95 homework, SD = 1.15, 0–4 range). Families were also very satisfied (M = 6.06, 1–7 range). At post-treatment, BC-ADHD resulted in increases in caregiver empowerment and acceptability of behavioral treatment and reductions in concerns about both behavioral (adverse effects and feasibility) and medication (adverse effects) treatments (absolute Cohen’s d = 0.27 to 0.35). At 6-month follow-up, effects were sustained for increases in caregiver empowerment and for reductions in concerns about both behavioral and medication treatments (absolute ds = 0.36 to 0.40). Sleeper effects were observed for increased medication acceptability and decreased affiliate stigma (absolute ds = 0.26 to 0.29). Child impairment was also reduced at follow-up (d = -0.58). The percentage of caregivers who initiated behavior therapy (Kendall’s w = 0.63) or medication (Kendall’s w = 0.15) increased from baseline to 6-month follow-up. These findings provide initial support for BC-ADHD as a promising engagement program to foster positive caregiver attitudes and initiation of EBTs.