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School-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for an Adolescent Presenting with ADHD and Explosive Anger: a Case Study

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Abstract

This case demonstrates the efficacy of utilizing an intensive, multi-faceted behavioral intervention paradigm. A comprehensive, integrative, school-based service model was applied to address attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptomology, oppositional behaviors, and explosive anger at the secondary level. The case reviews a multi-modal assessment approach to inform intervention, including a developmental history; parent, teacher, and student interviews; systematic classroom observations; and BASC-2 and Conners parent, teacher, and student social, emotional, and behavior rating reports. Treatment included cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions over 6 months with the implementation of a 9-week classroom Daily Behavior Report Card plan. Outcome data revealed a decrease in office discipline referrals, lower levels of behavior symptoms, and an increase in prosocial classroom behaviors with maintained improvement into the following school year.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA

    Janise Parker

  2. School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Brian Zaboski & Diana Joyce-Beaulieu

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  1. Janise Parker
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Correspondence to Janise Parker.

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Parker, J., Zaboski, B. & Joyce-Beaulieu, D. School-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for an Adolescent Presenting with ADHD and Explosive Anger: a Case Study. Contemp School Psychol 20, 356–369 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-016-0093-y

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