Executive control training for adolescents with ADHD: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Agnete Dyresen; Jan Stubberud; Krister Westlye Fjermestad; Ingvild Haugen; Merete Glenne Øie

doi:10.1016/j.cct.2023.107404

Executive control training for adolescents with ADHD: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Contemp Clin Trials. 2024 Jan:136:107404. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107404. Epub 2023 Dec 7.

Authors

Agnete Dyresen¹, Jan Stubberud², Krister Westlye Fjermestad³, Ingvild Haugen⁴, Merete Glenne Øie⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Nic Waals Institute, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: agnete.dyresen@psykologi.uio.no.
² Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Norway.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Frambu Resource Centre for Rare Disorders, Siggerud, Norway.
⁴ Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway.
⁵ Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway.

PMID: 38070766
DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107404

Abstract

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. In addition to the commonly observed symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, individuals with ADHD often experience impairments in executive functions (EFs). Goal management training (GMT) is a cognitive remediation intervention targeting EFs, with empirical support from studies with adult populations, including ADHD. The objective of the upcoming trial is to assess the effectiveness of GMT for adolescents with ADHD.

Methods: This pre-registered protocol outlines a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing GMT to treatment as usual (TAU) to improve EFs. We aim to recruit 120 participants, aged 12 to 18 years, recently diagnosed with ADHD. Participants will be randomly allocated to the group-based GMT intervention in addition to TAU, or the TAU condition, through block randomisation with site stratification. GMT will be delivered in groups of four to six participants, with weekly two-hour sessions for seven weeks, complemented by separate parent and teacher sessions. TAU is standard community mental health treatment. The primary outcome measure will be parent-reported EF assessed with the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF-2). Secondary outcomes will include ADHD symptom measures, social functioning, quality of life, and neuropsychological tests (attention span, inhibition, working memory, and visuo-motor speed). The outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months post-treatment.

Conclusion: The study findings will contribute to determine the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological ADHD treatment, including outcome trajectories up to 24 months post-treatment.

Keywords: ADHD; Executive functions; Goal management training; Neurodevelopmental disorder; Randomized control trial; Trial protocol.

Publication types

Clinical Trial Protocol

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Attention
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / diagnosis
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / drug therapy
Cognition
Executive Function
Humans
Multicenter Studies as Topic
Parents / education
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Treatment Outcome