Effect of summer treatment program for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessed by neurological and cognitive studies

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We evaluated the efficacy of American summer treatment program (STP) on Japanese children with ADHD during 2007-9. The total number of children participated in STP was 74. The STP was run in a day camp-like setting for 3 weeks in 2007, and 2 weeks in 2008 and 2009. Many evidence based techniques (point system, daily report card, positive reinforcement, time out) were used in STP. No children dropped out from the STP. All children showed positive behavioral changes in multiple domains of functioning assessed by behavioral observation. The ADHD rating scale, symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder and other questionnaires evaluated by parents significantly improved after STP. Not only behavioral improvement, the significant improvement in cognitive functions particularly executive function were observed. The sleep parameters evaluated by actigram were not significantly improved in children with ADHD after STP and they were not significantly different compared to controls, although subjective sleep questionnaire for children and caregiver were worse compared to those in controls.In conclusion, 2-3 weeks STP program were effective not only from the behavioral standpoint but also from the standpoint of cognitive functions.