The effectiveness of child-centered play therapy for executive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Introduction Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is a practical and recommended non-medication intervention for children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but the mechanism in between is unclear. Aim This study proposed to examine the effectiveness of CCPT on neuropsychological deficits and behavioral symptoms in ADHD. Methods Participants with ADHD diagnosis were referred from senior child and adolescent psychiatrists, and typical developmental children (TD) were recruited from community as a control group. All participants’ executive functions were evaluated using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. First of all, the participants were evaluated using Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) by their parents. The ADHD participants were assigned into CCPT (ADHDc) and waitlist (ADHDw) group; and the ADHDc group then received CCPT weekly for 12 sessions, while the ADHDw continuously received their regular treatment (i.e., medication treatment or other alternative treatments) as usual. Results Total 52 participants were recruited (17 with ADHD and 35 typically developed children, TD). The results showed that overall the ADHD groups had worse neuropsychological performance and more behavioural disturbance than did the TD ( ps < .05). After receiving the CCPT, the results showed that the ADHDc group had significant improvement in the cognitive flexibility ( p < .05); while the ADHDw group had no changes.