Family therapy for adolescents with ADHD.

Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their parents experience a great deal of conflict and coercion because the executive function deficits of ADHD interact with the parents' characteristics, family stress, and parenting practices. This article provides a step-by-step description of the defiant teen approach to family therapy, which is designed to help adolescents with ADHD and their parents reduce conflict and coercion. The article also summarizes 2 studies supporting the effectiveness of the defiant teen approach.

Family intervention for home-based problems of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Adolescents with ADHD frequently argue with their parents about a variety of issues, especially when they also have Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder. Family interventions have proven effective for ameliorating such conflicts in two independent investigations. After a comprehensive assessment including family interviews and self-report inventories, the therapist first teaches the parents contingency management techniques and then teaches the parents and adolescent problem solving communication skills.

A cluster analysis of personality style in adults with ADHD.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to use hierarchical linear cluster analysis to examine the normative personality styles of adults with ADHD.

Method: A total of 311 adults with ADHD completed the Millon Index of Personality Styles, which consists of 24 scales assessing motivating aims, cognitive modes, and interpersonal behaviors.

Results: The sample was randomly divided into half, and independent hierarchical linear cluster analyses were performed on each half to identify replicable clusters.