Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Across the Lifespan: Review of Literature on Cognitive Behavior Therapy

  • ADHD (P Robaey, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Developmental Disorders Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The paper reviews the literature on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) across the lifespan. CBT has shown mixed results for children with ADHD. There is a dearth of literature on CBT for adolescents with ADHD with only a few available studies suggesting its usefulness. CBT, however, has proven to be most promising for adults with ADHD. Newer studies have used recent diagnostic classification, randomization, blind assessments, robust statistical analysis procedures, and longer term follow-ups with booster sessions along with weekly coaching/mentoring. CBT is a promising adjunct to medication as it addresses many of the functional deficits of individuals with ADHD, which medication alone does not correct. Some maintenance of treatment gains for 6–12 months has been demonstrated in recent studies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

  1. Polanczyk G, Lima MS, Horta BL, et al. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: a systematic review and metaregression analysis. Am J Psychiatr. 2007;164:942–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Kessler RC, Adler L, Barkley R, et al. The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: results from the National Comorbidity Survey replication. Am J Psychiatr. 2006;163:716–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 72. Leicester: British Psychological Society (UK); 2009.

  4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Clinical practice guideline: diagnosis and evaluation of the child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics. 2000;105(5):1158–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46(7):894–921.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Sibley MH et al. Pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for adolescents with ADHD: an updated systematic review of the literature. Clin Psychol Rev. 2014;34(3):218–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  8. McGough JJ et al. Psychiatric comorbidity in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: findings form multiplex families. Am J Psychiatry. 2005;162:1621–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Chronis A, Jones H, Raggi V. Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Clin Psychol Rev. 2006;26:486–502.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Mongia M, Hechtman L. Cognitive behavior therapy for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a review of recent randomized controlled trials. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2012;14(5):561–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Shaw M, Hodgkins P, Caci H, et al. A systematic review and analysis of long-term outcomes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: effects of treatment and non-treatment. BMC Med. 2012;10:99.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Sonuga- Barke EJ et al. Non pharmacological interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: systematic review and meta analyses of randomised controlled trials of dietary and psychological treatments. Am J Psychiatry. 2013;170:275–89.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Ferrin M, Moreno-Granados JM, Salcedo-Marin MD, et al. Evaluation of a psychoeducation programme for parents of children and adolescents with ADHD: immediate and long-term effects using a blind randomized controlled trial. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014;23(8):637–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Biederman J, Mick E, Faraone S. Age dependent decline of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: impact of remission definition and symptom type. Am J Psychiatr. 2000;157(5):816–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Whalen C, Hanker B. Therapies for hyperactive children: comparisons, combinations, and compromises. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1991;59(1):126–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Durlak J, Fuhrman T, Lampman C. The effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy for maladaptive children: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull. 1991;110(2):204–14.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Froelich J, Doepfner M, Lehmkuhl G. Treatment effects of combined cognitive behavioral treatment with parent management training in hyperkinetic syndrome. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr. 2002;51(6):476–93.18.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Pelham W, Wheeler T, Chronis A. Empirically supported psychosocial treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Clin Child Psychol. 1998;27:190.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Hinshaw SP, Henker B, Whalen CK. Cognitive behavioral and pharmacologic interventions for hyperactive boys: comparative and combined effects. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1984;52(5):739–49.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Hinshaw SP, Henker B. Self-control in hyperactive boys in anger inducing situations: effects of cognitive behavior training and of methylphenidate. J Abnorm Child Psychol. 1984;12(1):55–77.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Fehlings D, Roberts W, Humphries T, et al. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: does cognitive behavior therapy improve home behavior? J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1991;12:223–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Antshel KM, Remer R. Social skills training in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized-controlled clinical trial. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2003;32(1):152–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Schmiedeler S. Mindfulness-based intervention in attention-deficit-/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother. 2015;43(2):123–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Grosswald SJ, Stixrud AWR, Stixrud W, et al. Use of the transcendental meditation technique to reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by reducing stress and anxiety: an exploratory study. Curr Issues Educ. 2008;10:1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Singh NN et al. Mindfulness training for parents and their children with ADHD increases the children’s compliance. J Child Fam Stud. 2010;19:157–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Oord S, Bogels SM, Peijnenburg D. The effectiveness of mindfulness training for children with ADHD and mindful parenting for their parents. J Child Fam Stud. 2012;21:139–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Neece CL. Mindfulness-based stress reduction for parents of young children with developmental delays: implications for parental mental health and child behavior problems. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2014;27(2):174–86.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Gharebaghy S, Rassafiani M, Cameron D. Effect of cognitive intervention on children with ADHD. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2015;35(1):13–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Abikoff H, Gallagher R, Wells KC, et al. Remediating organizational functioning in children with ADHD: immediate and long-term effects from a randomized controlled trial. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2013;81(1):113–28. Randomized controlled trial of 10–12 weeks of organizational skills training vs. performance-based intervention for children with ADHD.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Haroon M. Commentary on ‘Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural group-based parenting programmes for early-onset conduct problems in children aged 3 to 12 years’. Evid Based Child Health. 2013;8(2):693–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Abikoff H. ADHD psychosocial treatments: generalization reconsidered. J Atten Disord. 2009;13(3):207–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. McCarthy S et al. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: treatment discontinuation in adolescents and young adults. Br J Psychiatry. 2009;194:273–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Bussing R et al. Receiving treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: do the perspectives of adolescents matter? J Adolesc Health. 2011;49(1):7–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Minkoff NB. ADHD in managed care: an assessment of the burden of illness and proposed initiatives to improve outcomes. Am J Manag Care. 2009;15(5 Suppl):S151–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Antshel KM, Faraone SV, Gordon M. Cognitive behavioral outcomes in adolescent ADHD. J Atten Disord. 2014;18(6):483–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Safren S, Otto M, Sprich S, et al. Cognitive behavior therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adults with continued symptoms. Behav Res Ther. 2005;43:831–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Vidal R, Castells J, Richarte V, et al. Group therapy for adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015;54(4):275–82. Multi-center randomized controlled trial of 119 adolescents with ADHD (aged 15–20) assigned to either 12 manualized CBT sessions vs. wait-list control. CBT improved ADHD symptoms and functioning according to blinded evaluator.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Mongia M & Hechtman L. The efficacy of CBT for adolescents with ADHD. 2015, submitted.

  39. Philipsen A, Richter H, Peters J, et al. Structured group psychotherapy in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: results of an open multicentre study. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2007;195(12):1013–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Hesslinger B, Tebartz van Elst L, Nyberg E. Psychotherapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults—a pilot study using a structured skills training program. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2002;252(4):177–84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Rostain AL, Ramsay JR. A combined treatment approach for adults with ADHD—results of an open study of 43 patients. J Atten Disord. 2006;10(2):150–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Virta M, Vedenpää A, Grönroos N, et al. Adults with ADHD benefit from cognitive-behaviorally oriented group rehabilitation: a study of 29 participants. J Atten Disord. 2008;12(3):218–26.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Zylowska L, Ackerman DL, Yang MH, et al. Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD: a feasibility study. J Atten Disord. 2008;11(6):737–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Edel MA, Hölter T, Wassink K, et al. A Comparison of Mindfulness-Based Group Training and Skills Group Training in Adults with ADHD: An Open Study. J Atten Disord 2014.

  45. Bramham J, Young S, Bickerdike A, et al. Evaluation of group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD. J Atten Disord. 2009;12(5):434–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Safren SA, Sprich S, Mimiaga MJ, 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;304(8):875–80.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Solanto MV, Marks DJ, Wasserstein J, et al. Efficacy of meta-cognitive therapy for adult ADHD. Am J Psychiatry. 2010;167(8):958–68.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  48. Vidal R, Bosch R, Nogueira M, et al. Psychoeducation for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder vs. cognitive behavioral group therapy: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2013;201(10):894–900.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Young S, Khondoker M, Emilsson B, et al. Cognitive-behavioural therapy in medication-treated adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and co-morbid psychopathology: a randomized controlled trial using multi-level analysis. Psychol Med. 2015;29:1–12. Randomized controlled trial compared 95 medicated adults with ADHD on treatment-as-usual vs. 15 sessions of CBT. CBT group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms via blinded clinicians. Treatment effects were maintained at 3 months.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Emilsson B, Gudjonsson G, Sigurdsson JF, et al. Cognitive behaviour therapy in medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry. 2011;11:116.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Hirvikoski T, Waaler E, Lindström T, et al. Cognitive behavior therapy-based psychoeducational groups for adults with ADHD and their significant others (PEGASUS): an open clinical feasibility trial. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2015;7(1):89–99.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Mitchell JT, McIntyre EM, English JS, et al. A pilot trial of mindfulness meditation training for ADHD in adulthood: impact on core symptoms, executive functioning, and emotion dysregulation. J Atten Disord 2013.

  53. Cook J, Knight E, Hume I, et al. The self-esteem of adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a systematic review of the literature. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2014;6(4):249–68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada

    Monica Mongia

  2. Division of Child Psychiatry, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University, 1001, Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada

    Lily Hechtman

Authors
  1. Monica Mongia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lily Hechtman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lily Hechtman.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

Monica Mongia and Lily Hechtman declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on ADHD

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mongia, M., Hechtman, L. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Across the Lifespan: Review of Literature on Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Curr Dev Disord Rep 3, 7–14 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-016-0072-z

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-016-0072-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation