Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity
Conditions
Keywords
Adult, ADHD, ADD
Brief summary
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.
Detailed 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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCognitive behavioral therapy
DRUGDrug therapy
Sponsors
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| ADHD symptoms | — |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed