Objective: University students with symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience depression. This study examined whether interpersonal counseling (IPC) could be an effective treatment for depression among students with ADHD symptoms.
Methods: Participants were assigned to either an IPC (N=5) or control (N=7) group. Depression was assessed by using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) at baseline, postintervention, and at 4-, 8-, and 12-week follow-ups.
Results: No significant changes in the SDS total score were observed for either group at each postintervention point. However, the IPC group showed a large effect size at the 4- and 12-week follow-ups. A significant intergroup difference was observed after 4 weeks. No significant intergroup difference was observed after 12 weeks, but there was a large effect size.
Conclusions: IPC appeared to have effects at 4 weeks postintervention. Because this was an exploratory study, further research is necessary.
Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; College mental health; Depression; Interpersonal counseling.