Structured group psychotherapy in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: results of an open multicentre study

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2007 Dec;195(12):1013-9. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e31815c088b.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a serious mental disorder that often persists in adulthood. In a pilot study, a structured skills training group program for adult ADHD led to significant symptomatic improvements. The present study evaluated the program's effectiveness, feasibility, and patient acceptability in a multicenter setting. Seventy-two adult ADHD patients were assigned to 13 two-hour weekly sessions at 4 different therapy sites. The therapy was well tolerated and led to significant improvements of ADHD, depressive symptoms, and personal health status (p < 0.001). The factors treatment site and medication did not contribute to the overall improvement. Patients regarded the program topics "behavioral analyses," "mindfulness," and "emotion regulation" as the most helpful. In this multicenter study, the therapy program showed therapist-independent effects and seemed to be disorder-specific. This warrants the effort of organizing further controlled studies.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Awareness
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Self Concept
  • Social Adjustment
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Psychotropic Drugs