Feasibility of the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme: open-access online group psychoeducation and acceptance and commitment therapy for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

• Published in: BJPsych open Vol. 10; no. 5; p. e163
• Main Authors: Seery, Christina, Leonard-Curtin, Aisling, Naismith, Lauren, King, Nora, O'Donnell, Fiona, Byrne, Brendan, Boyd, Christine, Kilbride, Ken, Wrigley, Margo, McHugh, Louise, Bramham, Jessica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 26.09.2024
• Subjects: acceptance and commitment therapy; adult ADHD; Adults; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Behavior modification; Collaboration; Executive function; Feasibility; Hyperactivity; Intervention; Mental Health Services; Mindfulness; Open access; psychoeducation; Psychologists; Qualitative research; Quality of life; Ireland; adult ADHD; psychoeducation; acceptance and commitment therapy; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• ISSN: 2056-4724; 2056-4724
• DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.743

Psychoeducational interventions are a critical aspect of supporting adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP) is a six-session, group-based webinar intervention that incorporates psychoeducation with acceptance and commitment therapy. UMAAP relies on self-referrals and is facilitated by a charity, to promote accessibility. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of UMAAP and explore preliminary effectiveness. Adults with formally diagnosed or self-identified ADHD ( = 257) participated in an uncontrolled pre-post design. Feasibility was indicated by attendance, confidence in completing the home practice and satisfaction. Quality of life, psychological flexibility, self-acceptance and knowledge of ADHD were assessed at baseline, 1 week post-intervention and 3 months later, to explore preliminary effectiveness. Feasibility was demonstrated by the high attendance ratings and satisfaction with the intervention, although there was only moderate confidence in the ability to complete the home practices. Quality of life (mean increase 9.69, 95% CI 7.57-11.80), self-acceptance (mean increase 0.19, 95% CI 0.10-0.28) and knowledge of ADHD (mean increase 1.55, 95% CI 1.23-1.82) were significantly improved post-intervention. The effects were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Psychological flexibility did not significantly change immediately post-intervention, but increased significantly at the 3-month follow-up (mean increase 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.58). Overall, UMAAP is a feasible intervention for adults with ADHD. Findings highlighted the feasibility of delivering psychological interventions online in group settings, to increase access to support for adults with ADHD.