Evaluation of a Demystification Workshop for Adolescents with ADHD
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Date
2006-09
Authors
Trudel-Best, Erin
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Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a
demystification workshop for adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD). The goal of the workshop was to increase adolescents’ knowledge of ADHD
and enhance opinions of evidence-based treatments. Twenty-five grade seven to nine
students participated in the study. Main findings showed that adolescents’ knowledge of
treatments for ADHD significantly increased and their opinions of pharmacological
treatments were more favorable immediately following the workshop. Follow-up
analyses revealed that gains in knowledge were maintained over a period of one to two
weeks, while changes in opinions were not. Following the workshop, adolescents were
able to identify (1) more environments wherein ADHD made it difficult for them to stay
out of trouble, (2) a greater number of adults in their lives who are able to help them with
their ADHD, and (3) more ways they can help themselves manage their ADHD
symptoms. These findings were still evident at follow-up. Overall, most participants rated
the workshop as a positive learning experience. The demystification workshop was an
effective means of sharing information about ADHD with adolescents; however, more
research is needed to determine how to maximize the amount of information acquired by participants and maintain gains over time.
Description
Keywords
Nova Scotia , Education (Middle school) , Treatment , Attitudes , Education , Evaluation , Behavior modification , Attention-deficit/hyper-activity disorder , Study and teaching , Attention-deficit disorder , Children