Background: Communication difficulties are associated with oppositional symptoms in young people. We hypothesise that a communication group intervention will reduce oppositional symptoms in young people. Previous research on communication and social skills training in young people with externalising disorders is limited.
Aims: We aimed to (1) develop and describe a group communication intervention to promote social competence in adolescents with behaviour difficulties, for use in CAMHS with those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)/externalising disorders, and (2) collect pilot data on the effectiveness of this intervention.
Methods: We developed and delivered a programme of eight sessions to eight adolescents aged 12 to 13 years. We describe the intervention and challenges running the programme. We present pilot study data on pre- and post-oppositional symptoms.
Results: Our programme was relatively well attended; pilot data indicated a small reduction in oppositional symptoms in all participants. Challenges in running the group were noted.
Conclusions: Our pilot study data suggest that further research is needed to study the effects of a communication group intervention on oppositional symptoms in a larger number of adolescents.
Keywords: ADHD; Communication; Externalising disorder; Group; Oppositional; Social skills.