Comparison of the effects of executive function training, medication treatment and support group intervention on the symptoms and executive functions of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: In this real-world study the effects of executive function training, medication treatment, and support groups on the symptoms and executive function (EF) of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were compared. METHODS: A total of 117 children aged 7-14 years who were diagnosed with ADHD were assigned to one of three 8 week intervention groups: medication therapy (MTG, n=39), executive function training (EFTG, n=50), or support group intervention (SG, n=28). Clinical symptoms were assessed using the SNAP-IV and Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ). EF indices were evaluated using the Stroop Color Word Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Digit Span Test. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with baseline scores as covariates was conducted to compare post-intervention outcomes. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, the MTG showed significant improvements in the SNAP-IV scales (p<0.001) and across PSQ factor scores (p=0.006 to p<0.001). The EFTG also showed significant improvements in Inattention subscale (p=0.001) and PSQ Conduct Problems, Learning Problems, Impulsivity-Hyperactivity, and Hyperactivity Index factor scores (p=0.002 to p<0.001). With respect to EF, both the MTG (p<0.001 to p=0.028) and EFTG (p<0.001 to p=0.014) demonstrated significant improvements; the SG showed no significant changes (all p>0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed that the MTG was superior to the SG in symptom reduction (p=0.001 to p=0.009), whereas both the MTG and the EFTG outperformed the SG on EF measures (p=0.001 to p=0.038), with no significant differences between the MTG and EFTG (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both medication and EF training effectively improved symptoms and EF in children with ADHD. Medication demonstrated superior efficacy for symptom alleviation, whereas EF training provided comparable cognitive benefits.