Comparative Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Executive Functions, Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome, Stress Management, and Quality of Life in Adults with ADHD

To investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on reducing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, cognitive disengagement syndrome, improving executive functions, quality of life, and stress management in adults with ADHD.

This study is a randomized clinical trial with parallel groups, which includes two intervention groups and a control group. The sample size for epidemiology was 1000 girls and boys. Random allocation was performed. The sample size was 60 people (each group about 20 people).

The study was conducted at Persian Gulf University and affiliated counseling centers. After screening 1000 students, 60 eligible participants were randomly assigned to CBT, MBCT, or control groups. Standardized executive function tests and questionnaires were administered, followed by group therapy sessions, posttest, and two-month follow-up.

Diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood based on clinical interview and DSM-5 criteria. Age 18 to 40 years; Having a severe psychiatric disorder (such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder). Substance dependence or active substance abuse. Receiving concomitant psychological treatment or taking a cognitive-altering medication during the study period.

CBT group: Group cognitive-behavioral therapy. MBCT group: Group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Control group: Placed on a waiting list and did not receive the intervention.

Reduction of symptoms of ADHD (attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity); reduction of CDS; improvement of executive functions; improvement of quality of life; improvement of stress management

The sampling method of this study is multi-stage cluster random sampling, and the assignment of subjects to groups is also random.

Participants: Individuals enrolled in the study were aware of the type of treatment they were receiving (cognitive-behavioral or cognitive-mindfulness), but were not accurately informed of the existence of a control group and between-group comparisons to reduce the expectation effect. Principal Investigator: The principal investigator, who was responsible for data analysis, was not aware of the coding of groups (A, B, and C) until the end of data collection, and analyses were conducted as anonymous data. Therapists: Due to the nature of psychological interventions, therapists were aware of the type of intervention they were implementing and there was no possibility of blinding them. Healthcare personnel: Because the intervention was implemented in an academic setting and by a trained researcher, clinical personnel had no involvement in the treatment and care of participants. Data collectors and outcome assessors: The individuals who collected and scored the questionnaires were unaware of the type of intervention and the grouping of participants. The questionnaires were delivered and analyzed with only the participants' anonymous codes (without mentioning the treatment group). Authors of the final report: The initial writing of the article was done based on the coded data (without disclosing the groups) and only after the statistical analyses were completed, the group codes were opened and the results were interpreted accordingly.

All data is potentially shareable after de-identifying individuals.

From the time of defense for 6 months

Researchers working in academic and scientific institutions

No analysis or use is permitted.

To receive data/documents, please contact your supervisor, Dr. Golestaneh, at the email address golestaneh@pgu.ac.ir.

Approval from researcher, supervisors and advisors