%0 Journal Article
%T Peer-Mediated Multimodal Intervention Program for the Treatment of Children with ADHD in India: One-Year Followup
%A Sagar Mehta
%A Devesh Shah
%A Kushal Shah
%A Sanjiv Mehta
%A Neelam Mehta
%A Vivek Mehta
%A Vijay Mehta
%A Vaishali Mehta
%A Smita Motiwala
%A Naina Mehta
%A Devendra Mehta
%J ISRN Pediatrics
%D 2012
%R 10.5402/2012/419168
%X The objective was to assess the efficacy of a one-year, peer-mediated interventional program consisting of yoga, meditation and play therapy maintained by student volunteers in a school in India. The population consisted of 69 students between the ages of 6 and 11 years, previously identified as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A program, known as Climb-Up, was initially embedded in the school twice weekly. Local high school student volunteers were then trained to continue to implement the program weekly over the period of one year. Improvements in ADHD symptoms and academic performance were assessed using Vanderbilt questionnaires completed by both parents and teachers. The performance impairment scores for ADHD students assessed by teachers improved by 6 weeks and were sustained through 12 months in 46 (85%) of the enrolled students. The improvements in their Vanderbilt scores assessed by parents were also seen in 92% ( , Wilcoxon). The Climb-Up program resulted in remarkable improvements in the studentsĄŻ school performances that were sustained throughout the year. These results show promise for a cost-effective program that could easily be implemented in any school. 1. Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders of childhood, affecting 5.3% to 20% of the children worldwide [1, 2]. US studies have shown a prevalence of 8.7% in 8¨C15-year olds [3]. Other studies in India based on hospital or outpatient clinic populations, with referral bias, suggest prevalence of 5.2% to 29.5% [4¨C6]. The condition leads to poor academic performance at school and problems with behavior at home and school. Children with this disorder often have comorbid conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder and learning disabilities, which all adversely impact the family and community. As they reach adolescence, these children are also at greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse and other issues such as increased rate of motor vehicle accidents, adding a substantial cost burden to the society. These children also suffer from problems with family and peer relationships that continue into adulthood and prevent the individual from achieving their maximum potential [7]. Studies in small settings have shown that peer tutoring does help children with ADHD [8, 9]. Peers can offer role models, have closer associations with the children throughout school, help build self-esteem, and provide a more suitable environment for the needs of the ADHD students [10]. Yoga with meditation modified for children was chosen as
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.pediatrics/2012/419168/