EVALUATING NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects approximately 57% of children in the United States. The prevalence of ADHD has driven research concerning its etiology and treatment. While medication is the most common treatment for ADHD, advances in understanding of the disorder has moved treatment toward a multimodal approach consisting of medication in combination with non-pharmacological interventions. Numerous non-pharmacological interventions are available; however, their outcomes as a group are not fully understood. This study sought to evaluate the literature to determine the efficacy of salient non- pharmacological interventions for children and adolescents with ADHD. The results yielded psychosocial, body-based, cognitive, and neurological interventions. Of the interventions encountered, only some demonstrated efficacy, while others failed to provide an empirical basis for reduction in symptoms. Limitations of the current understanding of these interventions are also discussed, which may direct future directions for research. (Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Wendi Johnson)