Reduced ADHD symptoms in adults with ADHD after structured skills training group: Results from a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Behaviour research and therapy 2011-03, Vol.49 (3), p.175-185
• Main Authors: Hirvikoski, Tatja, Waaler, Else, Alfredsson, Julia, Pihlgren, Cecilia, Holmström, Annelie, Johnson, Anna, Rück, Johanna, Wiwe, Camilla, Bothén, Pernilla, Nordström, Anna-Lena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ADHD; Adult; Adults; Analysis of Variance; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - therapy; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Behavior modification; Behavior Therapy - methods; Behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical trials; Cognitive behavior therapy; Dialectical behavior therapy; Feasibility; Female; Group therapy; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Medical treatment; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Outpatient treatment; Outpatients; Patient Satisfaction; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy, Group - methods; Randomization; Skills training; Symptoms; Treatment; Treatment Outcome; Treatments
• ISSN: 0005-7967; 1873-622X; 1873-622X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2011.01.001

Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) -based method developed in Germany were evaluated in a Swedish outpatient psychiatric context. Fifty-one adults with ADHD on stable medical treatment or on no medication were randomized to the DBT-based skills training (n = 26) or a parallel loosely structured discussion group (n = 25). Self-rating scales were administered before randomization and after the treatment. Feasibility and participant satisfaction were good in both groups while skills training was perceived as more logical and effective for ADHD-related problems. The analyses of the individuals who completed the treatment and remained stable with regard to medication (n = 19 in skills training; n = 18 in control group) showed a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms in the skills training group, but not in the control group. No reduction of comorbidity was observed in any of the groups. The treatment was feasible in an outpatient psychiatric context, well tolerated, and significantly reduced ADHD symptoms in on-treatment individuals who remained stable regarding medication status.