Cognitive vs. Behavioral Therapy in ADHD

This chapter explores the comparative effects of Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Behavioral Therapy (BT) on executive functions (EFs)in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Executive dysfunction, a key challenge in ADHD, impairs regulatory control, sustained attention, and task management. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design, the study involved eight children aged 7–12 years diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to CRT or BT interventions, delivered thrice weekly over three months. EF was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2). Results indicated that both therapies significantly improved executive functioning, but in different domains. CRT was more effective in enhancing working memory and cognitive flexibility, while BT demonstrated greater improvements in inhibitory control and behavioral regulation. These findings emphasize the complementary roles of CRT and BT in targeting distinct executive deficits in ADHD.