Evidence-Based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Children and Adolescents with ADHD: A Comparative Analysis between Low-Middle and High-Income Countries

Abstract

The objectives of this study were multifold: (a) to comprehensively map the updated evidence base for cognitive behaviour therapy among children and adolescents with ADHD in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and high-income countries (HIC), (b) to study the potential effectiveness of these interventions, (c) to identify research gaps in the literature (d) to provide a comparative analysis between low-income and high-income countries. A systematic review design was employed. Electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, ERIC, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect) were systematically searched for relevant research literature from the last 10 years (2015-2025). Several Boolean search strings, such as “cognitive behaviour therapy, cognitive behaviour training, or interventions, modeling, self-regulation, self-instructions, and self-monitoring were used with ADHD children and adolescents in India and low-middle income countries.” Data were extracted from the included studies for quality appraisal, summarization, and synthesis of the research findings. The database search resulted in the inclusion of 18 original articles. It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of these intervention programs. Several research gaps were identified. Several research gaps were identified. There was limited evidence base for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy modules for children and adolescents with ADHD in LMIC. The implications for future research and practice have been discussed.