Integrative Couples Group Treatment for Emerging Adults With ADHD Symptoms

• Open trial of novel group treatment for emerging adults with clinically elevated ADHD symptoms.
• Treatment integrates components of CBT for adult ADHD and behavioral couples therapy.
• Participant adherence to the intervention was good and satisfaction ratings were high.
• RCTs needed to examine efficacy of integrated group treatment for emerging adults with clinically elevated ADHD symptoms.

Preliminary evidence suggests that adaptations of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are promising interventions for adult ADHD, but few studies have specifically targeted emerging adults. Moreover, given that inaccurate self-appraisals are common among individuals with ADHD, there is reason to suspect that many emerging adults with elevated ADHD symptoms may respond better to interventions that include input from significant others. The present study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a novel program integrating components of CBT for adult ADHD with couples therapy to treat emerging adults with clinically elevated ADHD symptoms in the context of their romantic relationships. Fifteen couples including at least 1 emerging (18- to 35-year-old) adult with clinically elevated ADHD symptoms participated in an open trial of this 6-session, small-group integrated intervention. Primary analyses indicated that participant adherence to the integrated protocol was good and satisfaction ratings of the program content and delivery were high. Exploratory comparisons of effect sizes indicated that individuals with elevated ADHD symptoms reported fewer symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity following treatment, while participants with and without elevated ADHD symptoms indicated lower relationship impairment. Partner ratings corroborated some, but not all, areas of improvement. Though more rigorous investigations are sorely needed, preliminary findings highlight the potential utility of the integrative treatment for emerging adults with clinically elevated ADHD symptoms.