Which treatment for whom for ADHD? Moderators of treatment response in the MTA.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Using receiver operating characteristics, the authors examined outcome predictors (variables associated with outcome regardless of treatment) and moderators (variables identifying subgroups with differential treatment effectiveness) in the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; MTA). Treatment response was determined using parent- and teacher-reported ADHD and oppositional defiant symptoms, with levels near or within the normal range indicating excellent response. Among 9 baseline child and family characteristics, none predicted but 3 moderated treatment response. In medication management and combined treatments, parental depressive symptoms and severity of child ADHD were associated with decreased rates of excellent response; when these 2 characteristics were present, below-average child IQ was an additional moderator. No predictors or moderators emerged for behavioral and community comparison treatments. The authors discuss conceptual and clinical implications of research on treatment moderators.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Owens, EB; Hinshaw, SP; Kraemer, HC; Arnold, LE; Abikoff, HB; Cantwell, DP; Conners, CK; Elliott, G; Greenhill, LL; Hechtman, L; Hoza, B; Jensen, PS; March, JS; Newcorn, JH; Pelham, WE; Severe, JB; Swanson, JM; Vitiello, B; Wells, KC; Wigal, T

Published Date

  • June 2003

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 71 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 540 - 552

PubMed ID

  • 12795577

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0022-006X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1037/0022-006x.71.3.540

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States