Objective: This pilot study carried out in cooperation with the Mannheim police department investigates the effectiveness of a home-based prevention program for first-time delinquent children with ADHD and CD and their families.
Methods: 24 children aged 8-13 years and their parents participated over a four-month period in the prevention program, which included 18 sessions of home treatment based on a cognitive behavioural concept. Core symptoms of ADHD and CD were assessed by means of the DISYPS-KJ scales before and after treatment.
Results: The training program significantly reduced both hyperactive and aggressive-antisocial behaviour on the parent rating scales. 88% of the parents reported an improvement of primary problems of their children.
Conclusions: This first evaluation suggests that the described home-based family prevention program is well effective in reducing problem behaviour in children with ADHD and CD.