Effect of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) on in-school Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

This study investigated the Effect of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) on in-school Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Quasi-experimental research design was adopted in the study. Two (2) hypotheses guided the study, a total of 102 in-school adolescents were selected from three public secondary schools in Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State using multi-stage sampling techniques. Strengths and Weaknesses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the Normal Behaviour Rating Scale (SWAN) developed by Swanson, et al (2012) were used to assess children with ADHD. The Child and Adolescents Scale of Irrationality (CASI) developed by Bernard and Cronan (1999) was designed to measure irrational beliefs/ cognitions in children and adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years. The researcher collected data for the study by administering the instruments to the sampled respondents with the help of two trained research assistants in each of the schools. The data gathered was analysed using descriptive, t-test and ANOVA statistics. The findings amongst others showed that CBT was efficacious in managing ADHD among in-school adolescents. The study further revealed that ADHD was influenced by sex. Therefore, the study recommends amongst others that, functional counselling units should be established in all public secondary schools and counsellors should be employed and trained on how to give proper psychotherapy such as CBT to adolescents who are suffering from ADHD.