Effectiveness of a Tailored Intervention for Women With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and ADHD Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Abstract

Women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD symptoms may experience difficulty carrying out desired life roles and activities.To determine whether a 7-wk tailored occupation-based intervention can reduce perceived stress and ADHD symptoms and enhance perceived performance of and satisfaction with daily roles and activities among women with ADHD.Randomization to intervention (n = 11) and control (n = 12) groups.Home and community.Twenty-three participants ages 20-55 yr, English speaking, and with a self-reported diagnosis of ADHD.The intervention was administered for 7 wk in individual 1-hr sessions and addressed routine establishment, organization, time management, stress management, and sensory regulation in the home and community.Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.At 1-wk postintervention, statistically significant differences were found between intervention and control groups in perceived stress (Z = -3.838, p < .000, d = -2.66), ADHD symptoms (Z = -3.605, p < .000, d = -2.17), and COPM Performance (Z = -4.074, p < .000, d = 3.04) and Satisfaction change scores (Z = -3.759, p < .000, d = 2.82).A 7-wk tailored intervention reduced perceived stress and ADHD symptoms and enhanced perceived performance of and satisfaction with desired occupational roles and activities in a sample of women with ADHD. Further research is warranted to determine whether the intervention can be useful to women with ADHD beyond the present sample.This intervention may offer an effective nonpharmacological option for women with ADHD symptoms.