Comparison of the efficacy of behavioral, medicinal and combination of behavioral and medicinal therapy on reduction of hyperactivity / attention deficit disorder symptoms in children

Hyperactivity / attention deficit disorder (ADHD) with 3-5% is the most common disorder in children. This study was done to compare the efficacy of behavioral, medicinal and combination of behavioral and medicinal therapy on reduction of ADHD symptoms in children. This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 40 male elementary students with ADHD in Gorgan, Northern Iran during 2011-12. Subjects were divided into the four groups including control, behavioral, medicinal (Ritalin 10 mg three times per day) and combination of behavioral and medicinal therapy. Conner's Rating Scale for parents (home) and teachers (school) were used in pretest-posttest spot after 8 weeks therapy. After intervention ADHD symptoms significantly reduced in behavioral, medicinal and combination of behavioral and medicinal therapy in compared to controls (P<0.05), but this reduction was more in medicinal and combination of behavioral and medicinal therapy groups than behavioral group. Medicinal and combination of behavioral and medicinal therapy has the same efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms in children.