Comprehensive, sustained behavioral and pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A case study

Treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) must be long-term, be intensive, address functional impairment across important domains and settings, and be sensitive to individual differences. This case illustrates comprehensive, combined behavioral and pharmacological treatment for a child diagnosed with ADHD and conduct disorder over a period of 3 years. Specific treatment components included an intensive summer treatment program (STP), behavioral parent training, behavioral classroom interventions, individually titrated stimulant medication, and a cognitive-behavioral depression-prevention program for the child's mother. Although substantial improvements were found in the degree of functional impairment, this child remained impaired in many domains. This suggests that treatment for ADHD, particularly in severe cases such as this, must be intensive and ongoing.