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“[O]ur results indicate that those with distinct goals select different treatments,” wrote Alexander Fiks, M.D., of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, and colleagues. “Academic goals were associated with initiation of medication, whereas the goal of improved behavioral compliance was associated with behavioral therapy receipt.” Initial choices influenced outcomes. At the study endpoint, concerns about academic and behavioral improvement were rated less important by parents whose children had started either medication or behavioral therapy, suggesting that baseline goals were attained. Only use of behavioral therapy was related to improvement in interpersonal relationship goals.
Thus, the researchers concluded, “at least for achieving academic and behavioral goals, treatment initiation may be more important than the specific treatment selected in helping parents address their goals for their children.”
To read more in Psychiatric News about shared decision making in the treatment of ADHD, see "Shared Decision Making Aids Parents of Children With ADHD."
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