Published evidence for effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in improving symptoms for individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University College London
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant portion of the population across the lifespan. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for ADHD, particularly in reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning.
Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in treating ADHD symptoms, particularly when combined with pharmacological treatments, and to explore the potential benefits of adapted CBT approaches, including digital interventions.
Description
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant portion of the population across the lifespan. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for ADHD, particularly in reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning.
Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in treating ADHD symptoms, particularly when combined with pharmacological treatments, and to explore the potential benefits of adapted CBT approaches, including digital interventions.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases, resulting in the inclusion of eight studies published between 2021 and 2024. The selected studies were analysed to assess the impact of CBT on core ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as well as on comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the influence of factors such as age, gender, ADHD subtype, and the presence of comorbid conditions.
Results: The findings indicate that CBT is consistently effective in reducing ADHD symptoms across various populations, with significant improvements observed in both adolescent and adult groups. The integration of CBT with pharmacological treatments was particularly beneficial, leading to enhanced outcomes in managing inattention and hyperactivity. Digital platforms for CBT, such as internet-based CBT (iCBT), showed promise in expanding access to treatment, offering a flexible and scalable solution for individuals who may face barriers to traditional therapy. Additionally, it was found that traditional CBT might not fully address the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, suggesting a need for adapted CBT approaches tailored specifically to this population.
Conclusions: CBT is a valuable and versatile intervention for managing ADHD, particularly when combined with medication. However, the variability in individual responses to CBT highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans. Future research should focus on comparing the effectiveness of traditional CBT with adapted CBT for ADHD, further developing digital CBT platforms, and exploring how CBT can be tailored to meet the needs of specific subgroups within the ADHD population. These efforts will be critical in optimizing CBT's effectiveness and ensuring its accessibility to all individuals with ADHD.
Keywords
ADHD, ADD, CBT, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Therapy, Cbt
Citation
APA