September 8, 2010 – Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) suffer less from the symptoms associated with this disease when their medication is combined with cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, according to a US study.
The researchers came to this conclusion by analyzing the effects of two types of treatment in 86 people taking medication for attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. Despite the medication, all said they still had symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Half of the participants took part in cognitive behavioral therapy sessions aimed at modifying problematic thoughts and behaviors. The participants received treatments aimed at acquiring skills in organization and planning, in inattention management and in thinking adapted to stressful situations. The other half received muscle or other relaxation sessions, ADHD information sessions, and supportive psychotherapy.
Symptom analysis after 12 weeks of therapy shows that two-thirds of participants who had therapy saw their symptoms reduced by 30%. Only a third of participants in the relaxation group showed a similar decline. These benefits were still present 9 months later.
Some studies have already shown the effectiveness of this therapy. But none had established it using a sample of this size and over such a long period, note the authors of the study. They therefore encourage the clinical application of this strategy in adults undergoing pharmacological treatment.
The opinion of a psychiatrist
DD Annick vincent
These results generally correspond to what is observed in the clinic, according to the DD Annick Vincent, one of the few Quebec specialists in ADHD in adults2. “Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a well-known approach and this study reinforces the idea that it is a good complement to a medication”, affirms this psychiatrist who worked for a long time at the University Institute in mental health of Quebec before d ” recently opted for private practice in the Quebec City region.
ADHD is most noticeable in children. From 5% to 10% of them are affected. Less common, and especially less known in adults, this disorder still affects 4% to 5% of this population, notes the DD Vincent.
The controversy over medication to control ADHD symptoms does not exist in the medical world, assures the psychiatrist. “If the diagnosis is correctly made, the medication is effective against the symptoms. It also helps set up and maintain cognitive behavioral therapy treatment strategies, ”she explains.
It should be noted that the University Institute in Mental Health of Quebec recently published, under the direction of the DD Annick Vincent, guides for therapists and patients entitled Controlling ADHD in Adults: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program. These are materials adapted from the American program created by the lead author of this study and psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr Steven A. Safren.
Louis Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
1. Safren SA, Sprich S et al. Cognitive behavioral therapy vs relaxation with educational support for medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010 Aug 25; 304 (8): 875-80.
2. Dr. Annick Vincent has created a site dedicated to ADHD: www.attentiondeficit-info.com
3. For more information on this publication: www.institutsmq.qc.ca.
