Evaluation of group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
A brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group intervention was designed to treat comorbid anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem and self-efficacy in adults with ADHD. It was hypothesised that participants would gain knowledge about ADHD, experience a reduction in comorbid symptoms, and benefit from the supportive aspect of group treatment.


METHODS
Participants in the study formed a CBT treatment group that attended six workshops and a waiting list control group. The intervention was evaluated with measures assessing knowledge about ADHD, psychological symptoms, and support received. The groups were compared using repeated measures ANOVAs.


RESULTS
The CBT group had significantly greater improvement on measures of knowledge about ADHD, self-efficacy, and self-esteem than the control group. Participants' evaluations of the sessions suggested that sharing personal experiences with other adults with ADHD was an important aspect of the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Brief CBT group treatments may be an acceptable and cost-effective intervention for adults with ADHD.
Bramham
Jessica
J
School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. jessica.bramham@ucd.ie
Young
Susan
S
Bickerdike
Alison
A
Spain
Deborah
D
McCartan
Denise
D
Xenitidis
Kiriakos
K
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004493:Education; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D020377:Self Efficacy; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants