Social skills therapy, studies

This conclusion stands in contrast to the statements made in an earlier review (Kauffmann and Hallahan, 1979) that behavioral therapeutic techniques have an important role to play in ADHD, and partly contradicts the results of some more recent studies. As summarized in Chapter 7 (p. 250 f.), the US MTA study did not detect any significant difference between combined treatments and treatment with methylphenidate alone with regard to their effects on ADHD symptoms however combined treatments had some advantage over drug alone on features such as anxiety disorders, social skills, consumer (mainly parent) satisfaction and possibly academic achievement (Pelham et al., 2000). Additional statistical analysis of the MTA study by responders and in terms of composite outcome measures also revealed additional benefit of combined treatments over drug therapy alone (Jensen et al., 2001). 

SAD can present in children of preschool to elementary school age. If the disorder is not treated, it can persist into adulthood and increase the risk of depression and substance abuse. CBT and social skills training are effective nonpharmacological therapies in children. Pharmacological evidence is limited to case studies or open-label trials. SSRIs are considered first-line therapy because of tolerability and effectiveness. Fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, and paroxetine were effective in children with SAD. Headache, nausea, drowsiness, insomnia, jitteriness, and stomach aches were reported in children receiving SSRIs. 

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