Strength-based Treatment Approach for Adults With ADHD

ADHD symptoms negatively affect daily functioning both at work and at home, and have long-term impact in academic, occupational, social and emotional areas of functioning. Effective, long-term treatment outcomes benefit both the individual with ADHD and society as undiagnosed and untreated adults with ADHD may become an economic burden due to increased health care costs and decreased productivity at work. Russell Barkley postulated the first unifying theory of ADHD which places a core deficit of behavioural inhibition at the source of ADHD behaviours. Barkley's model is built upon observation of perceived chronic difficulties in behaviour, measured as "excessive or inappropriate for their age or development level.". Since the publication of this model, several theoretical models were proposed which attribute alternative cognitive sources for the development of ADHD symptoms, but Barkley's model forms the foundation for primary treatment recommendations. A recent review of the theories of ADHD recommended that more testable hypotheses need to be produced. While a variety of different interventions are available and the benefit of other forms of support is acknowledged (e.g. psychotherapy or coaching), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) only recommends interventions that match a similar protocol to medications: Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), which are primarily based in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It is therefore hypothesised that much of current research for the characterisation of ADHD is based on a cognitive behavioural paradigm that is deficit-focused with primary treatment outcomes of symptom reduction and control of maladaptive behaviours. Research in psychology suggests that a deficit-focus may not be the best approach to improving mental health, and it may be necessary to develop positive psychological factors and emotions that cultivate health and wellbeing. In ADHD, research suggests that this includes cognitive dynamism, creativity, and resilience, among others. There is a paucity of research in this area.

This project proposes an alternative approach to understanding and working with ADHD behaviours, supported by Self Determination Theory (SDT). SDT is an empirical, organismic dialectical approach to human motivation and personality, originating in Positive Psychology. SDT guided research focuses on conditions that enhance intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and wellbeing. The positive approach to active energisation and intention of behaviour in SDT is closely aligned to evidence of positive engagement in ADHD (e.g. via interest), therefore viewing ADHD behaviours from an SDT perspective allows for a different understanding of the action and intention of behaviour. An SDT based approach combined with psychotherapeutic principles for integration of a positive concept of self provides tools which are potentially effective for long term treatment.

One of the challenges to designing effective treatment is the variability of impairment experienced by individuals with ADHD. Impairments are viewed as "clusters" of chronic difficulty for everyone with an ADHD diagnosis, however individual profiles can differ significantly. This implies there are situations or contexts where individuals with ADHD can function successfully. Two phases of this project have been developed to support this hypothesis. The aim of Phase 2 is to generate a theory, grounded in data, that explains a) why and how individuals with ADHD experience variable impairment; b) the impact of variable impairment for those with ADHD; and c) processes and strategies used by those with ADHD to resolve their main concerns regarding the impact and consequences of the variable impairment of ADHD. The purpose is to identify universal selective strengths that support individuals with ADHD to manage the variability of their impairment. In support of these alternative theories and approaches, Phase 3 of this project aims to examine the participant acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of a novel strength - based programme of therapeutic self-development, psychoeducation and skills training for adults with a diagnosis of ADHD. This programme will use a multi-modal psychotherapeutic approach and educational methodology to assist participants in understanding ADHD and develop self-management skills.

While ADHD is primarily viewed as a neurobiological disorder with no cure, the possibility that ADHD may confer advantages to the individual is widely debated. Research on phenomena concerning the experience of ADHD has theoretical implications, and grounded theory is presented as a research methodology that is ideal for an area where not much research or theorising has been done before. There are currently several methodological approaches to grounded theory, and for this project it was deemed most appropriate to use a Constructivist approach. This approach introduces a pragmatic epistemological perspective on the researcher by recognising the subjectivity and researcher involvement in construction and interpretation of data in theory construction. This was thought to be an important element to monitor during the research process due to the researcher's own personal experience of ADHD.

In keeping with the focus on selecting cases which may provide new insights for developing theory, this project will aim to approach three different groups for participation: NHS patients from the Adult ADHD Clinic at the Southwest Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; university students at the University of Huddersfield and the University of Cambridge; and ADHD Support Groups for adults with ADHD. Analysis of individual case studies was considered, however as current perspectives of positive psychological factors in ADHD are identified as "individual strengths", it was thought a case comparison on interviews might identify the phenomenon in a more universal way.

The Phase 2 grounded theory research aims to reach saturation following analysis of 5-10 participant interviews. However, due to the nature of grounded theory, this can only be finalised as part of the process. It is possible more participants will

Unlike other qualitative methods, grounded theory approaches recommend that the inquiry shapes the data collection. This process of finding and generating data that is "rich", or detailed, focused, and full, provides solid material for substantive analysis. Therefore, this project will identify some areas to begin initial data collection, while remaining open to emerging potential data examples. These areas are intensive interviews, videos, and memos or field notes by the researcher.

Study Design - Pilot Study This is a wait list control study design with pre-, within, and post-treatment measures. A rolling entry of participants will be conducted, where once individuals have been screened their entry into the study will begin. A maximum of 30 adults aged 18+ with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD will be allocated using block randomisation to the SDT theory-based model or wait list over a 12-week period. Following the 12-week wait, the wait list group will also be enrolled in the SDT theory-based model. This ensures all participants receive the opportunity to experience the treatment.

Participants will be recruited from NHS patients at the Adult ADHD Clinic at the Southwest Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust only.Phase 3 is a pilot feasibility study, and the aim is to recruit 15 participants per arm for the two arm pilot study.

Acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of the intervention will be measured by attendance and completion of evaluation forms at the end of each session. A follow up interview a week post-treatment will provide an opportunity for feedback and evaluation by post-treatment measures. Due to Covid-19 restrictions for research that requires in-person contact, consideration for the safety of participants and institution and NHS staff was incorporated into this study design. All interviews, screening, and treatment sessions will be conducted online, on an NHS approved video platform.

To test for treatment effects within the two groups, the psychometric data before and after therapy will be analysed statistically using a paired samples t-test, or dependant t-test. To test for treatment effects within the two groups, the psychometric data before and after therapy will be analysed statistically using the non-parametric paired-Wilcoxon test. Cohen's D will be calculated as a measure of effect size. To reduce bias, an intention to treat analysis will be used but it is recognised that challenges may occur due to missing data; based on withdrawal, loss to follow up, or non-response of assessment questionnaires and the degree of this this will be considered at the time of analysis. Therefore, the study will be reviewed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). All analysis will be conducted with SPSS version 26.

The ethical process for this project is being reviewed by the University of Huddersfield School of Human and Health Sciences - School Research Ethics and Integrity Committee (SREIC) and will be reviewed by a relevant NHS ethics committee. Governance approvals will be obtained from university and NHS Trust sites. All sessions with Participants will be held in adherence with the Ethical Framework for Good Practice set by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

A British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited psychotherapy supervisor will be engaged for two hours per month or one hour for every six patient sessions for the duration of the project to measure progress and review case work with participants if needed.

Participants will receive an invitation to an initial interview to discuss participation in the study. An information sheet detailing the purpose, activities, outcomes, and results of Phase 2 will be provided, including the researcher contact details (name, phone number, email address). Participants will be encouraged to read the information sheet again and ask questions on the assessment day prior to signing the consent form. The voluntary nature of participation and the ability to withdraw an individual's consent at any time will be emphasised during the study.

For the Phase 2 intensive interviews, all participants will be entered into a draw for a £50 Amazon voucher. This was suggested by the lived experience group as contribution to research for ADHD was not considered enough of a benefit alone.

For participants in the Phase 3 pilot study, they will receive 11 weekly sessions of individually focused therapeutic coaching support which is not currently accessible within the service. It is possible that a waitlist control design study might be an incentive for participants to join, as all participants in the study will eventually receive the intervention. However, we considered it unethical to offer a place in the study without the option to receive the intervention. Participants will be given a minimum of 24 hours and up to three days to consider participation in the study, and the researcher will be available to answer any questions they have.

A critical element of this research project is the exploration and representation of the lived experience of adults with ADHD, and the applicability, efficacy, and accessibility of the results. Therefore, this project has involved a patient participation group in pre-study preparation before recruitment. A small group of 5-6 adults with ADHD who expressed strong interest in the research have reviewed and refined recruitment materials for Phase 2 and Phase 3, including the recruitment flyers, patient information sheets, consent forms and interview guide.