Effect of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with Individual Skill Training to Reduce Aggression Behavior among ADHD Children

Abstract

Introduction: ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder defined by impairing levels of inattention, disorganization, and hyperactivity – impulsivity. ADHD is more frequently affected in males than females in general populations. The child will have difficulties staying on one task, seeming not to listen, and lose temper, at levels that are inconsistent with their ages / developmental level. ADHD is also associated with reduced school performance and academic attainment and is socially withdrawn. ADHD is most often identified during elementary school years and inattention will be the significant problem that the child faces during their school work. Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence based psychotherapy that combines behavioral science with concept like acceptance and mindfulness. Marsha M. Linehan is the creator of the Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an American psychologist and author. Dialectical behavior therapy helps to identify and change the negative thoughts and pushes the positive behavioral changes. DBT was developed to help people cope with extreme or unstable emotions and harmful behavior.

Objectives:

• To select the children with ADHD by using Vanderbilt teacher rating scale screening tool.


• To find out the effect of conventional occupational therapy to reduce aggression behavior in control group.


• To find out the effect of Dialectical behavior therapy to reduce aggression behavior in the experimental group.


• To compare the post-test scores between the control group (conventional occupational therapy) and the experimental group (Dialectical behavior therapy with conventional occupational therapy)

Methods: A total of 30 children were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The samples are divided into two groups as 15 in the control group and 15 in the experimental group. The pre-test data were collected from both groups before the intervention, modified overt aggression scale is given to children. The sample in the experimental group undergoes Dialectical behavior therapy and the control group under goes with the relaxation techniques and behavior therapy.

Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the experimental group after receiving dialectical behavioral therapy (p value-0.012).

Conclusions: The study concluded that dialectical behavioral therapy was effective intervention to reduce aggression behavior among ADHD children.