| Abstract: | Aim: To evaluate collaborative problem solving (CPS) in Swedish 6–13‐year‐old children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Methods: Seventeen families completed 6–10 sessions of CPS training. Primary outcome measures were SNAP‐IV attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ODD scores] and Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement (CGI‐I) scores at baseline, post‐intervention and 6 months later. Secondary outcome measures were the Conners’ 10‐item scale and the Family Burden of Illness Module (FBIM). Results: All 17 participants completed the intervention. The whole group had significant reductions in SNAP‐IV ODD, ADHD, total Conners’ and FBIM scores, both at post‐intervention and at 6‐month follow‐up. Eight of the children, although significantly improved on ODD scores and the Conners’ emotional lability subscale at post‐intervention, had almost no improvement in hyperactivity/impulsivity. Post‐intervention, this group received stimulant medication for their ADHD. CGI‐I scores of much improved or very much improved were reached by 53% (9/17) of all at post‐intervention, and by 81% (13/16) at 6‐month follow‐up. Conclusion: Collaborative problem solving significantly reduced ODD, ADHD and emotional lability symptoms. A subgroup improved in their ADHD symptoms only after adding stimulant medication. |
