Published on 25/01/2024 in BMC Psychiatry

Latest scoping review suggests establishing a understanding of psychoeducation for Adult ADHD and involving them in the development..

Highlights

1. The scoping review identified 10 studies out of 2121 records that focused on psychoeducation interventions for adults with ADHD, with most studies conducted in Europe in a group format.

2. Typical themes covered in the interventions included diagnosis, treatment options, somatic health, social life, coping and psychological skills, and work, but newer research topics such as sexuality and gender-specific issues were found to be missing.

3. The review highlighted limited patient involvement in intervention development and delivery and a lack of attention to measuring patient satisfaction, concluding that the literature on psychoeducation for adult ADHD is not yet ready for systematic effect estimation and emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines and involvement of end users in intervention development and delivery.

Psychoeducation for Adult ADHD

The research paper is a scoping review that focuses on psychoeducation interventions for adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It addresses several objectives, including

1. Identifying the characteristics of psychoeducation interventions,
2. Examining patient experiences and perspectives during the interventions,
3. Determining typical themes covered, and
4. Exploring how ‘psychoeducation’ is defined in these interventions.

The paper first provides an overview of ADHD and the use of psychosocial interventions such as psychoeducation as an alternative or supplement to pharmacotherapy. In addition, it discusses the lack of a thorough overview of the literature on psychoeducation for adult ADHD and highlights the need for a comprehensive review of specific non-pharmacological interventions to understand the available literature.

Methodology and Findings

In total, the comprehensive search identified 2121 records, of which ten studies were included for final analysis. Most studies were conducted in Europe and followed a group format. Seven main themes emerged:

1. Information about the diagnosis,
2. Treatment options,
3. Somatic health and ADHD,
4. ADHD and social life,
5. Coping and
6. Psychological skills, and
7. Work-related aspects.

However, interventions did not include newer research themes like sexuality and gender-specific issues.

Gaps in Literature and Recommendations

The literature on psychoeducation for adult ADHD is not ready for systematic effect estimation. Furthermore, we need a shared understanding and definition of psychoeducation before such estimations can be conducted. The researchers also emphasize the rarity of user involvement in the development and delivery of interventions.

Takeaway

Overall implications for future research and practice are clear. We need to emphasize co-created guidelines and standardized measures to guide the evaluation, modification, and further implementation of psychoeducation interventions. Involving end users in the development and delivery of interventions to provide valuable feedback at all stages of the research is essential.

Reference:

Pedersen, H., Skliarova, T., Pedersen, S.A. et al. Psychoeducation for adult ADHD: a scoping review about characteristics, patient involvement, and content. BMC Psychiatry 24, 73 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05530-8

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