A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL PILOT STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF A STRESS MANAGEMENT & HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM IN CHILDREN WITH ADHD

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a stress management and health promotion program on the primary and secondary symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as on other variables concerning the daily routine and lifestyle of children with ADHD. Furthermore, the effects on the levels of perceived stress and the quality of life of parents of children with ADHD were investigated. Method: The research type was quasi-experimental. Two groups were created (intervention and control group) with a total of 50 participants. Each participant in the intervention group engaged in 8 meetings over a period of two months. The intervention program included information relevant to stress and lifestyle (daily and eating habits, routine, exercise, sleep) as well as the application of cognitive behavioral therapy and stress management techniques. Results: The results are summarized as follows: significant decrease in anxiety and symptoms of ADHD, and improvement in sleep conditions, eating habits and frequency of physical exercise of the children were noted. Furthermore, a positive effect on perceived stress and quality of life of the parents of children with ADHD was observed. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that the stress management and health promotion program significantly improves both the symptoms of the disorder and the emotional state of children with ADHD, as well as their general lifestyle. Article visualizations: