Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Mass General Brigham

Status and phase

Completed

Phase 1

Conditions

Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity

Treatments

Behavioral: Cognitive behavioral therapy

Drug: Drug therapy

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

NIH

Identifiers

NCT00050050

R03MH060940 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

DSIR AT-AS

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study will determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults who have not responded to drug treatment.

Study hypothesis: CBT is an effective treatment for adult ADHD.

Full description

ADHD, previously believed to be a disorder of childhood, affects as many as 5 percent of adults. Adults with ADHD are at high risk for academic and occupational underachievement, relationship difficulties, and reduced quality of life. This study will determine whether CBT is more effective than drug therapy in treating ADHD symptoms in adults who have been resistant to previous drug therapies.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 12 to 15 weekly sessions of either CBT or drug therapy which may include new or previously taken drugs. Questionnaires will be used to assess participants' ADHD symptoms at study start and at study completion.

Enrollment

40 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 65 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Adult ADHD of at least moderate severity
On current drug therapy for ADHD

Exclusion criteria

Depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, organic mental disorders, psychotic disorders, or pervasive developmental disorders
Current substance abuse or dependence
IQ less than 90
Suicide risk
History of cognitive behavioral therapy