Working Memory Training in Adults With ADHD

Karolinska Institute

Status

Completed

Conditions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Treatments

Behavioral: Flex working memory training

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT01477125

DAT-KV (Other Identifier)

DAT-NSP (Other Identifier)

X002

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether computerised working memory training improves cognitive performance, ADHD symptoms, psychosocial functioning and quality of life in adults with ADHD, from psychiatric outpatient clinics (N=100) as well as from a high-security prison facility (N=50).

Full description

The primary aim is to evaluate whether 5 weeks of computerised working memory training improves working memory capacity. Secondary aims are to explore whether improvements in working memory capacity will be transferred to improvements in learning abilities and fluid intelligence. Also, far transfer effects on executive functioning, ADHD symptoms, psychosocial functioning and quality of life will be explored. Finally, it will also be assessed to what extent improvements gained from 5 weeks of working memory training will be maintained 3 and 6 months post-study, respectively.

Enrollment

102 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 65 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Confirmed ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria; ADHD combined type, ADHD inattentive type or ADHD UNS, primarily inattentive type.
Unmedicated for ADHD during the course of the trial, or being under stable ADHD medication for at least one month at baseline visit and without any planned changes in medication until post-study assessments have taken place.

Exclusion criteria

Previous participation in computerised working memory training (completed training).
Any psychiatric disorder that in the judgment of the investigator, may interfere with study participation and/or study assessments, also including current substance abuse.
Participation in psychological treatment addressing ADHD during the course of the 5-week training period (psychoeducation is accepted).
Initiation of psychological treatment for coexistent disorders during the course of the study (treatment already ongoing at baseline visit is accepted if there are no planned changes during the 5-week training period).