Cognitive behaviour therapy in medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent Symptoms: A randomized controlled trial
2011

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Adults with ADHD

Sample size: 54 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Brynjar Emilsson, Gisli Gudjonsson, Jon F Sigurdsson, Gisli Baldursson, Emil Einarsson, Halldora Olafsdottir, Susan Young

Primary Institution: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry

Hypothesis

The CBT/MED condition would show significantly greater improvements than the TAU/MED condition on primary and secondary outcome measures.

Conclusion

The study supports the effectiveness of the R&R2ADHD program in reducing ADHD symptoms and comorbid problems.

Supporting Evidence

  • The CBT/MED condition showed significant improvements in ADHD symptoms at the end of treatment and at follow-up.
  • Participants reported improvements in comorbid problems such as anxiety and depression.
  • Effect sizes for ADHD symptoms were larger at follow-up than at the end of treatment.

Takeaway

This study shows that a special therapy can help adults with ADHD feel better and manage their symptoms better, even when they are already taking medication.

Methodology

54 adults with ADHD were randomly assigned to either a cognitive behaviour therapy group or a control group receiving treatment as usual, with outcomes measured before treatment, after treatment, and at three-month follow-up.

Potential Biases

Participants in the CBT condition received more attention than those in the control group, which could introduce nonspecific placebo effects.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and could not control for changes in medication or other non-pharmacological interventions.

Participant Demographics

The participants included 34 women and 20 men, with a mean age of 34.1 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-11-116

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