Abstract
This exploratory study reports the outcomes of a remotely delivered manualised form of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during the COVID-19 imposed “lockdown”. Adults completing this intervention (N = 12) reported statistically and clinically significant improvements on outcomes relating to self-reported mood F(1.356, 14.917) = 21.64, p η2 = 0.66), anxiety F(2, 22) = 22.93, p η2 = 0.68), psychosocial adjustment (χ2(4) = 26.51, p < 0.001) and treatment acceptability was good. Preliminary findings suggest this cost effective and remotely delivered psychotherapeutic approach might be one appropriate method for supporting the well-being and adjustment of adults with ADHD during future COVID-19 or other pandemic related lockdowns. Further research is urgently required to establish efficacy using larger sample sizes and the implementation of wait list and treatment comparison groups. Future research might also explore the use of this manualised approach in other clinical subgroups and the general population.
Highlights
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders with worldwide prevalence estimates in the adult population ranging widely from 0.1% up to 8.1% [1]
ADHD is characterised by deficits in attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity which persist across the deve
In addition to primary neuro-behavioural symptoms, ADHD is a condition associated with a range of secondary psychosocial risk factors
Summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders with worldwide prevalence estimates in the adult population ranging widely from 0.1% up to 8.1% [1]. In addition to primary neuro-behavioural symptoms, ADHD is a condition associated with a range of secondary psychosocial risk factors. Adults with this condition are more likely to be unemployed, to have a high turn-over of jobs and be employed in lower status occupation than their neuro-typical counterparts [3]. Major depression is the single most commonly co-occurring psychiatric disorder presenting in 35% - 50% of the patient population This is followed by one or more anxiety disorder occurring in 40% - 60% of the patient population [5]. Adults with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing psychiatric problems when compared to the general population
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