# Enhancing behavioral parent training for parents and children affected by ADHD

> **NIH NIH K23** · ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS · 2024 · $189,625

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health conditions in
childhood, and nearly half of all youth with ADHD have at least one parent who also meets criteria for the
disorder. Intergenerational ADHD is a significant risk factor for reduced skill use and poor child outcomes
following evidence-based behavioral parent training (BPT) programs. Given that BPT is predicated on
consistent, in vivo use of BPT skills, efforts to reduce parental ADHD-related barriers to BPT skill use may
have significant public health implications. Incorporating Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies
shown to improve adult ADHD symptoms and executive dysfunction into BPT programs may reduce such
barriers. Mobile health (mHealth) adjunct interventions are another promising approach to improve BPT skill
use, as personalized CBT-based supports and temporally relevant reminders may also reduce several of the
most common barriers. Yet, no existing BPT program includes these augmentations. This K23 seeks to adapt
an evidence-based BPT program to reduce skill use barriers and increase skill use among parents with ADHD
by incorporating (a) in-session modules on adult ADHD CBT strategies and (b) a smartphone-based app that
provides timely reminders and CBT-based supports. The intervention, Executive Function Enhanced Caregiver
Training Skills (EFECTS), will be developed using an iterative, stakeholder driven approach that uses Human
Centered Design (HCD) strategies to incorporate end-user feedback at all stages of development to improve
fit, outcomes, and implementation. A pilot RCT will compare EFECTS to an existing BPT program.
 Candidate: My early research examined the underlying executive function deficits associated with ADHD,
and my long-term career goal is to design theory-driven interventions based on our understanding of the
etiological underpinnings of the disorder. As treatment research represents a shift in my research interests, I
require formal, mentored training in intervention design and evaluation. Through this mentored career
development award, I will learn the skills necessary to become an independent intervention researcher,
including 1) mechanism-focused intervention development, 2) mHealth applications to improve parenting
intervention skill use, and 3) methods to improve intervention fit, implementation, dissemination, and effects.
My mentorship team is well-suited to provide the training necessary for me to become a successful intervention
researcher and consists of Dr. Sharlene Wolchik (primary mentor; expertise: theory-based parenting
intervention development; RCT implementation), Dr. Linda Pfiffner (co-primary mentor; expertise: developing
BPT programs for ADHD), Dr. Mary Solanto (co-mentor; expertise: designing CBT interventions for adults with
ADHD and executive dysfunction), Dr. David MacKinnon (advisor; expertise: analyzing treatment mechanisms
and outcomes), Dr. Aaron Lyo...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10807838
- **Project number:** 1K23MH128536-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY-TEMPE CAMPUS
- **Principal Investigator:** Lauren Melissa Friedman
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $189,625
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-12-12 → 2028-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10807838

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10807838, Enhancing behavioral parent training for parents and children affected by ADHD (1K23MH128536-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10807838. Licensed CC0.

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