Is combined CBT therapy more effective than drug therapy alone for ADHD in children? A meta-analysis

Based on published research on the combined cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus drug therapy alone in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we systematically reviewed and analyzed the efficacy of two treatment methods in children with ADHD. The literature as at the end of 10 July 2017 in multiple databases was systematically searched. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The results indicated that combined CBT therapy was efficacious in reducing symptoms of ADHD (SDM -0.48, 95% CI -0.80 to -0.17). The executive function scores were not improved more in the combined CBT (SMD -0.34; 95% CI -0.71 to 0.03). This study suggests that combined CBT seems more efficacious in some domains affecting children with ADHD, but further evaluation is needed. Copyright © 2018 Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University.