The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy based on executive functioning on symptoms in students with attention deficient hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with ADHD experience important problems in various life areas. During the last decade, increasing number of research has addressed challenges of students with ADHD. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy based on executive functioning on symptoms in students with ADHD. This research was conducted in the academic year 2011-2012. The research design included pre- and post-test measurement with control group. The study sample comprised Ferdowsi University of Mashhad students, who were previously screened for and diagnosed with ADHD through administering BAARS followed by a psychiatric interview (n = 32). Participants were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group. The experimental group received an EF based cognitive–behavioral group therapy. The control group did not receive any intervention. All participants completed pre-test measures at post-test. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and MANCOV methods. The experimental group, unlike the control group, showed significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, including attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and sluggish cognitive tempo. Cognitive-behavioral group therapy based on executive functioning were effective on clinical symptoms in student with ADHD.