Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treatment of Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder focused on measuring cognitive behavioral therapy, stimulant medication, efficacy, symptoms, functional outcomes
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for adult ADHD of any of three subtypes via Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for the DSM-IV (CAAR-D) and clinician's assessment;
- Barkley Childhood and Current Symptom of ADHD (1998) completed by self and informants (parents or siblings). Required cut off's on these scales are scores 1.5 Standard Deviation above relevant gender and age norms;
- Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (1999). Required cut off's on these scales are scores 1.5 Standard Deviation above relevant gender and age norms;
- Between 18 and 60 years old
- Be able to give informed consent and comply with study procedures;
- I.Q. of 80 or above on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 3rd edition (WAIS-III) subtests of three verbal and three nonverbal subtests
- Adequate command of English to be able to participate in CBT group.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Psychotic symptoms, past or current
- Current psychiatric comorbidity, e.g. bipolar disorder, depression, suicidality, current substance use disorder (must be free of substance abuse for 6 months)
- Medical condition that preclude use of the stimulant medication, e.g. hypertension, cardiac disease, Tourette's Syndrome, etc.
- Organic mental disorders or other significant neurological disorders, e.g. epilepsy, head injury, chorea, multiple sclerosis, deafness, blindness.
Sites / Locations
- Montreal Children's Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Experimental
Medication only
Cognitive behavioral therapy + medication
Cognitive behavioral therapy alone
Stimulant medication (methylphenidate or amphetamine product approved for clinical use in Canada), with dose optimized for each patient based on report of efficacy and side effects.
Patients are first titrated to an optimal dose of stimulant medication. They then undergo the 12 weeks of group cognitive behavioral therapy.
12 weeks of structured group cognitive behavioral therapy, focusing on acquisition of skills in organization, time management, goal attainment, cognitive restructuring, stress management, anger management, impulse control, self-esteem, and relationship management.