Behavioral Observations of Parents With ADHD During Parent Training

Objective: Several studies suggest that parental ADHD impedes behavioral parent training (BPT) outcomes. Parental ADHD symptoms exhibited during BPT may interfere with the acquisition of new skills. This study explored the observed behavior of parents with ADHD during BPT. Method: Parents of children with ADHD attending group BPT completed self-ratings of their ADHD symptoms. Parents indicating a moderate level of ADHD symptoms were administered a clinical interview, and 37.3% of parents met ADHD criteria based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) clinician-rated symptom counts. Results: Parents with high ADHD symptoms displayed more total and off-task violations compared with parents with low ADHD symptoms, although no significant differences emerged for other behaviors (i.e., working quietly, using materials appropriately, and remaining in seat), absences, or tardiness. Conclusion: Parental ADHD symptoms were manifested during BPT. Future research should clarify the nature of parental behavior in BPT as a possible mechanism explaining the relation between parental ADHD and impaired BPT outcomes.