Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT03685279

Efficacy of the Nurtured Heart Approach to Reduce ADHD Behaviors in Children

This study evaluates the efficacy of the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) to reduce inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity in children ages 6 - 8 years. Participants are parents or guardians of children diagnosed with, or suspected of, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants are randomized into the immediate (NHA) or delayed (Control) group.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, 85724, United States

About this study

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends evidence-based parent and/or teacher behavioral therapy and/or medication to treat ADHD. A systematic review by Coates and colleagues found behavioral interventions decreased ADHD behaviors in children. The NHA is an intervention designed to teach parents a set of skills and attitudes to decrease ADHD in children. It has been applied in a number of settings from homes, schools, and foster care agencies both in several states in the U.S. and in over 16 countries. While widely accepted, the Approach has not been evaluated using scientifically rigorous methods.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Parent or guardian of a child diagnosed with ADHD or suspected of ADHD
  • Child must be 6 - 8 years of age
  • Access to a computer with Internet

Exclusion criteria

  • Child with ADHD, or suspected of ADHD, cannot have a diagnosis of autism

Treatment and study plan

Nurtured Heart Approach

Behavioral

Based on three stands designed to reduce negative reactivity from parents/guardians, increase positive interactions, and set firm, clear limits.

Primary outcomes

  1. Inattention

    Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention inattention to post-intervention inattention.

    Parent reported measure called Conners-3 Parent Short Form. Raw scores are converted into standardized T-scores using age- and sex-specific conversion standards. The minimum T-score is 40 and the maximum is 90. The six content subscales are inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems, executive function, defiance/aggression, and peer relations. Higher T-scores are worse.

  2. Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

    Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention hyperactivity/impulsivity to post-intervention hyperactivity/impulsivity.

    Parent reported measure called Conners-3 Parent Short Form. Raw scores are converted into standardized T-scores using age- and sex-specific conversion standards. The minimum T-score is 40 and the maximum is 90. The six content subscales are inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, learning problems, executive function, defiance/aggression, and peer relations. Higher T-scores are worse.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Parental Stress

    Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention parental stress to post-intervention parental stress.

    Parent reported measure called Parenting Stress Index - 4 Short Form. Scores are summed. A minimum raw score possible is 36 and maximum is 180. Higher values are worse.

  2. Parenting Competency

    Time frame: Six-week change from pre-intervention parenting competency to post-intervention parenting competency.

    Parent reported measure called Parenting Sense of Competence. Scores are summed. A minimum score possible is 16 and maximum is 96. Higher value is a better outcome.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Arizona

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Testing the Efficacy of the Nurtured Heart Approach: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Sep 26, 2018
Registry last updated
Dec 22, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.