Effects of Telepsychiatric Parent Training on Caregivers of Children with ADHD (TPT-ADHD)

This study was conducted to examine the effects of a telepsychiatric parent training program implemented for primary caregivers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test, and re-test control group design. It was conducted from March to June 2022 via videoconferencing with primary caregivers of children aged 7-12 years diagnosed with ADHD, registered at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Clinic of Dokuz Eylül University Hospital. Caregivers in the experimental group completed Turkey's first "Telepsychiatric Parent Training" program, featuring nine 60-minute videoconference sessions. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form," "Zarid Burden Interview (ZBI-22)," "Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14)," and "Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)." Data were collected before the program, after the program, and at the 2-month follow-up. The program was also implemented with caregivers in the control group after the research process was completed. Data from the experimental and control groups were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA. To determine the effect of the intervention, post-hoc power (β) analysis was conducted using the G\*Power 3.1.9.7 program, and the level of statistical significance was set at 0.05. Study hypotheses are:

H1: There is a difference in the average scores of the Caregiving Burden Scale (CBS) for primary caregivers of children with ADHD based on time, group, and the group\*time interaction after the application of a parent training program.

H2: There is a difference in the average scores of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) for primary caregivers of children with ADHD based on time, group, and the group\*time interaction after the application of a parent training program.

H3: There is a difference in the average scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for primary caregivers of children with ADHD based on time, group, and the group\*time interaction after the application of a parent training program.

All caregivers (100%) successfully completed the program. Caregivers showed significant improvements in caregiving burden, stress levels , and difficulties.

This study explores the effects of a telepsychiatric parent training program designed for primary caregivers of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts children's behavior, attention, and social interactions, leading to challenges for both the children and their caregivers. This study aimed to assess how a structured, remote training program could help caregivers manage these challenges by reducing caregiver burden, stress, and emotional difficulties.

The research employed a quasi-experimental design, involving both experimental and control groups to evaluate the program's effectiveness. The study was conducted from March to June 2022 with caregivers of children aged 7 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were recruited from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Clinic of Dokuz Eylül University Hospital.

Caregivers in the experimental group participated in Turkey's first "Telepsychiatric Parent Training" program, which consisted of nine 60-minute videoconference sessions. The program was delivered remotely, offering flexibility and ease of access for the participants. The training program was specifically designed to provide caregivers with practical tools and strategies for managing the behavioral challenges of children with ADHD. The sessions covered topics such as ADHD symptoms, parenting techniques, emotional regulation, and stress management.

To measure the effectiveness of the program, data were collected at three points: before the program, immediately after the program, and two months following the program. Several established scales were used to assess various aspects of the caregivers' experiences, including the Zarid Burden Interview (ZBI-22) to evaluate caregiving burden, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) to measure stress levels, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess emotional and behavioral difficulties in the children. These tools provided a comprehensive view of the impact of the program on both the caregivers and the children.

The data analysis was conducted using two-way mixed ANOVA to assess the differences across time and between the experimental and control groups. The study's findings revealed significant improvements in caregiving burden, stress levels, and child difficulties, with statistical significance observed across pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements. These improvements were further supported by post-hoc power analysis, confirming the program's efficacy in addressing the challenges faced by caregivers of children with ADHD.

This study highlights the positive impact of telepsychiatric parent training on reducing stress, caregiving burden, and child difficulties. The success of this program suggests that similar telepsychiatric interventions can be a sustainable and effective model for supporting caregivers, particularly in settings where in-person interventions may be difficult. Additionally, the involvement of psychiatric nurses in delivering such programs may further enhance the effectiveness of the interventions.

Given that this program is the first of its kind in Turkey, it offers valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of telepsychiatric parent training programs. The results support the idea that expanding such programs could provide significant benefits for caregivers, improving their mental health and quality of life while also benefiting the children they care for.

Future studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of such interventions and assess their feasibility in a broader context, including different populations and settings. Overall, this research contributes to the growing field of telepsychiatry and offers a promising approach for supporting caregivers of children with ADHD.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Willingness to participate in the study.
* Literacy skills (reading and writing ability).
* A primary caregiver of a child diagnosed with ADHD (according to DSM V criteria), aged 7-12 years, currently on medication.
* The primary caregiver must have been responsible for the child's care for at least 3 months.
* The primary caregiver should be 18 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The child has additional mental health conditions such as intellectual disability, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder.
* The caregiver misses more than three sessions of the intervention.