Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adults with ADHD during COVID-19: An Open Trial

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 < 0.001, η2 = 0.66), anxiety F(2, 22) = 22.93, p < 0.001, 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.