New Publication!

For many adults with ADHD, finding effective support can feel like a frustrating cycle. Conventional methods often focus on managing deficits, which doesn't always resonate with the lived experience of being neurodivergent. This approach can sometimes contribute to stigma and overlook an individual's unique strengths. What if we could shift the focus from "fixing" deficits to empowering individuals?

I am thrilled to announce the publication of my paper, "A Neuroaffirmative, Self-Determination Theory–Based Psychosocial Intervention for Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Randomized Feasibility Study." This research explores a new, strength-based therapeutic model. It moves away from traditional deficit-focused treatments and toward an approach that prioritizes quality of life and personal fulfillment.

Rethinking ADHD Interventions

Traditional views on ADHD often center on executive function (EF) deficits. These theories suggest that challenges with skills like planning, focus, and emotional regulation are the root cause of difficulties. As a result, many psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aim to reduce these symptoms and improve cognitive control.

While these methods can be helpful, they also present challenges. They often require significant cognitive effort and may encourage the avoidance of emotional experiences to maintain control. This deficit-based perspective can inadvertently reinforce social stigma and negatively impact how individuals with ADHD see themselves.

Our study proposed a different path. We wanted to explore a transdiagnostic approach using Self-Determination Theory (SDT). SDT is a framework focused on human motivation and personality. It suggests that all people have three basic psychological needs:

1. Autonomy: The need to feel in control of one's own behaviors and goals.

2. Competence: The need to feel effective and capable in one's actions.

3. Relatedness: The need to feel connected to others.

By prioritizing the satisfaction of these needs, SDT supports strong identity formation, intrinsic motivation, and authentic self-regulation. We hypothesized that an intervention based on SDT could offer an effective, neuroaffirmative alternative for adults with ADHD.

Our Study's Goals and Methods

The primary objective of our research was to determine if a therapeutic intervention for adults with ADHD, based on SDT, was feasible and effective. We wanted to see if this new quality-of-life model could produce positive results.

To do this, we recruited participants from the Adult ADHD Clinic at the South West Yorkshire Partnership National Health Service Foundation Trust. We assigned them randomly to one of two groups:

• An intervention group that received an 11-session therapeutic coaching program.

• A control group that was placed on a waitlist for the intervention.

Before and after the intervention period, we measured several key areas. These included health-related quality of life, psychological distress, ADHD symptoms, self-reflection, and autonomous functioning. We also collected qualitative feedback through interviews to understand the participants' experience with the intervention.

The results of our feasibility study were highly encouraging and pointed toward the potential of this new approach.

The Future of ADHD Support

The findings from our study suggest that a full-scale randomized controlled trial of an SDT-based psychosocial intervention is not only feasible but also highly recommended. The positive results indicate that focusing on non-deficit-based outcomes, such as satisfying basic psychological needs, can lead to profound improvements in the lives of adults with ADHD.

This research represents a step toward a more compassionate and effective model of care. It champions a neuroaffirmative perspective that sees individuals as whole, capable people with unique strengths, rather than as a collection of deficits to be managed. By empowering adults with ADHD to design lives they love, we can help them unlock their full potential and thrive.

We are excited about the implications of this work and look forward to continuing this research. Thank you for your interest in creating a new way forward for ADHD support.

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