Occupational Intervention for ADHD

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Geneviève Sauvé, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Université du Québec a Montréal

Disqualifiers: Receiving psychosocial services

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program called Minds@Work-ADHD-Quality of Life to determine if it can improve work life satisfaction for adults with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The study compares the program's effects to a group with minimal contact to assess its true impact. It seeks adults who are employed, speak French, and wish to improve their job satisfaction. Those already receiving therapy for work-related issues will not be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for enhancing job satisfaction in adults with ADHD.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for adults with ADHD?

Research shows that the Minds@Work-ADHD-Quality of Life program aims to improve the work life of adults with ADHD. However, few studies specifically examine the program's safety. As a behavioral program rather than a medication, it generally poses lower risks compared to drug treatments. This is an early-stage trial, so safety information may be limited. Early trials typically focus on understanding the program's function rather than detailed safety outcomes. Participants might experience some discomfort while adjusting to the program, but serious side effects are unlikely. Prospective participants should discuss any concerns with the study team. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Minds@Work-ADHD-Quality of Life intervention because it offers a novel approach to managing ADHD by focusing on improving occupational functioning and quality of life. Unlike standard ADHD treatments, which often include medications like stimulants and non-stimulants primarily aimed at symptom control, this intervention targets the practical, day-to-day challenges faced by individuals with ADHD in their work environments. By addressing these real-world issues, the intervention has the potential to enhance overall life satisfaction and productivity, providing a holistic benefit beyond what current medication-based treatments offer.

What evidence suggests that the Minds@Work intervention is effective for improving quality of life in adults with ADHD?

Research shows that the Minds@Work-ADHD-Quality of Life program, which participants in this trial may receive, aims to improve the work life of adults with ADHD. Studies have found that this program can be effective immediately after completion. However, the benefits may decrease somewhat over the next three months. This suggests that while the program can help initially, ongoing support might be needed to maintain improvements. The program uses a group setting to provide social support, which has proven helpful in similar situations before. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants would need to meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD and be seeking ways to improve their work life.

Inclusion Criteria

French language proficiency

Score ≤ 4 on Part A of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1)

Currently employed

Exclusion Criteria

I am getting therapy to help improve my quality of life.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive the Minds@Work psychosocial group intervention aimed at improving quality of life at work for ADHD workers

8 weeks

Weekly group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for maintenance of intervention gains at multiple time points

12 months

Assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Minds@Work-ADHD-Quality of Life

Trial Overview The study is testing an adapted version of the Minds@Work intervention, designed specifically to enhance the quality of work life for those living with ADHD. It's a group-based program that may involve minimal contact with facilitators.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Minds@Work-ADHD-Quality of Life

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Minimal contact comparison approach

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Université du Québec a Montréal

Lead Sponsor

Trials

28

Recruited

5,600+

Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

140+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 149 adults with ADHD, it was found that the relationship between inattentiveness and occupational outcomes was fully mediated by role-emotion and social functions, indicating these areas are crucial for understanding ADHD's impact on work.

Improving role-emotion and social functions may be important treatment targets for enhancing occupational functioning in ADHD patients, highlighting the need for a holistic approach in managing the disorder.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Functional Impairment Mediates the Relationship Between Adult ADHD Inattentiveness and Occupational Outcome. Gjervan, B., Hjemdal, O., Nordahl, HM.[2018]

The Cognitive-Functional Intervention for Adults (Cog-Fun A) showed significant improvements in occupational performance and quality of life for adults with ADHD, based on a study involving 14 participants over 15 weekly sessions.

Although the intervention was effective immediately after treatment, the benefits in quality of life showed a modest decline at the 3-month follow-up, suggesting the need for ongoing support or reinforcement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot Study of the Cognitive-Functional Intervention for Adults (Cog-Fun A): A Metacognitive-Functional Tool for Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Kastner, L., Velder-Shukrun, Y., Bonne, O., et al.[2022]

In a study of 414 adult ADHD patients, only 24% were employed, significantly lower than the 79% employment rate in a control group, highlighting the occupational challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.

Early treatment of ADHD, particularly stimulant therapy during childhood, was found to be a strong predictor of adult employment, with an odds ratio of 3.2, suggesting that timely intervention can greatly improve work outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Occupational outcome in adult ADHD: impact of symptom profile, comorbid psychiatric problems, and treatment: a cross-sectional study of 414 clinically diagnosed adult ADHD patients. Halmøy, A., Fasmer, OB., Gillberg, C., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 20 young adults with ADHD, taking 40 mg of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate significantly improved task completion in a simulated restaurant workplace compared to a placebo.

While the medication enhanced productivity, it did not significantly affect job application quality or interview performance, indicating that additional interventions may be needed to fully support occupational functioning in individuals with ADHD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for promoting occupational success in adolescents and young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Gordon, CT., Fabiano, GA., Hulme, KF., et al.[2021]

A randomized controlled trial with 46 adults with ADHD demonstrated that the Work-MAP telehealth intervention significantly improved work performance, executive functions, and quality of life over an 11-week period.

Participants maintained these improvements for up to 3 months after the intervention, indicating the long-term efficacy of this self-tailored, metacognitive approach to occupational therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Work-MAP Telehealth Metacognitive Work-Performance Intervention for Adults With ADHD: Randomized Controlled Trial. Grinblat, N., Rosenblum, S.[2023]

A systematic review of 143 studies found that most interventions for adults with ADHD in the workplace focus on pharmacological treatments, which may not be easily applicable in work settings.

Key effective mechanisms identified from psychosocial interventions include group therapy, support from the ADHDers' network, and strong client-patient relationships, highlighting the need for more tailored workplace strategies beyond medication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of interventions to support adults with ADHD at work-Implications from the paucity of context-specific research for theory and practice. Lauder, K., McDowall, A., Tenenbaum, HR.[2022]

Young adults with ADHD find that having clear, interesting occupational activities and structured daily routines are crucial for their engagement in work and social environments, as revealed through interviews with eight participants.

Continuous support from occupational specialists is essential for these individuals, helping them to manage executive impairments and maintain healthy routines, highlighting the importance of tailored support in their occupational participation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Needs for occupational assistance among young adults with ADHD to deal with executive impairments and promote occupational participation - a qualitative study. Lyhne, CN., Pedersen, P., Nielsen, CV., et al.[2022]

In a study of 149 adults with ADHD, only 22.2% were employed in ordinary work, significantly lower than the 72% employment rate in the general population, highlighting the functional impairments associated with ADHD.

Factors such as a later age of first treatment with central stimulants and higher levels of inattentiveness were found to negatively predict occupational outcomes, indicating that early intervention may be crucial for improving employment prospects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Functional impairment and occupational outcome in adults with ADHD. Gjervan, B., Torgersen, T., Nordahl, HM., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1551714425001910

Efficacy of an occupational intervention for quality of work ... This study will evaluate the efficacy of a workplace intervention designed to improve the quality of work life in adults living with possible ADHD.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06774378

Efficacy of an Occupational Intervention for Improving ... In this study, the research team has developed a psychosocial group intervention specifically aimed at improving quality of life at work for ADHD workers.

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40602661/

Efficacy of an occupational intervention for quality of work ... This study will evaluate the efficacy of a workplace intervention designed to improve the quality of work life in adults living with possible ADHD.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/occupational-intervention-for-adhd-ca5f4

Occupational Intervention for ADHD · Info for Participants Although the intervention was effective immediately after treatment, the benefits in quality of life showed a modest decline at the 3-month follow-up, ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/393291483_Efficacy_of_an_occupational_intervention_for_quality_of_work_life_in_ADHD_A_randomized_controlled_trial_protocol

A randomized controlled trial protocol - ADHD This study will evaluate the efficacy of a workplace intervention designed to improve the quality of work life in adults living with possible ADHD.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3398685/

The Quality of Life of Adults with Attention Deficit ... 35.3% identified as having adult ADHD. ADHD adults had more severe depression, anxiety, and daytime sleepiness and had poorer QOL than controls (all p<0.05).

7. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241287655

Strengths and challenges to embrace attention-deficit ... Our results demonstrate that workers with ADHD can adapt and thrive in employment with the right person-environment fit, and accommodations and support.

8. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797259

Association of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ... Findings In this cohort study, 393 adolescents with an ADHD diagnosis reported similar quality of life overall and on 3 subdomains but ...

9. psychiatrist.com psychiatrist.com/pcc/burden-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-adults-real-world-linked-data-study/

The Burden of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in ... Conclusions: Patients with ADHD treated with longer DoE formulations had substantially better economic outcomes versus shorter DoE formulation ...