Long-term efficacy of a new 6-session cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 2.8 % of the adult population. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been demonstrated to be the most effective psychological intervention for ADHD. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a new 6-session CBT program in comparison with a 12-session CBT program for adults with ADHD at short- and long-term.

METHODS: 81 adults with ADHD (58 % males; mean age = 41.27±9.26 years old) were randomly assigned to each treatment condition (6- or 12-session CBT). Validated instruments were used to assess ADHD symptoms, comorbidities (anxiety and depression), and functional impairments at post treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS: A significant improvement in ADHD severity, comorbidities (anxiety and depression) and functional impairments were found in both CBT programs after treatment. Furthermore, this improvement was also reported at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION: The current study highlights that a 6-session CBT program is as effective as a 12-session CBT program for ADHD improvement at post treatment and follow-up. The newly developed 6-session CBT program can be used to treat a larger number of patients, reducing the financial cost.