A Neuroaffirmative, Self-Determination Theory-Based Psychosocial Intervention for Adults With...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Adult ADHD Treatment

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often viewed through a deficit-based lens, focusing on executive function impairments.
• This perspective may contribute to stigma and neurotype dysphoria, highlighting the need for alternative approaches.
• Self-Determination Theory (SDT) offers a transdiagnostic framework prioritizing psychological need satisfaction for improved identity, motivation, and self-regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an SDT-based quality-of-life (QoL) intervention for adults diagnosed with ADHD.
• To explore outcomes beyond traditional symptom reduction, focusing on psychological need satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 30 adults with ADHD for an 11-session therapeutic coaching intervention or a control waitlist.
• Feasibility assessed via pre- and post-treatment measures of QoL, distress, ADHD symptoms, and autonomous functioning.
• Qualitative feedback on intervention value was collected.

Main Results:

• High adherence rates (91.6% intervention, 81.8% control).
• Clinically significant improvements observed in psychological distress and ADHD symptoms, including inattention, despite not being primary targets.
• Positive trends in QoL and self-reflection, with 90% of participants finding the intervention useful and transferable.

Conclusions:

• An SDT-based psychosocial intervention is feasible for adults with ADHD.
• This non-deficit-based approach shows promise for improving QoL and reducing distress.
• A randomized controlled trial is recommended to further investigate this intervention's effectiveness.