Feasibility and Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Patients With ADHD/Behavioral Addiction Comorbidity

Feasibility and Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Patients With ADHD/Behavioral Addiction Comorbidity: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (ADHDDICT)

The main objective of this pilot study is to assess preliminary data on the feasibility of CBT and its evaluation in a randomised trial in patients with co-occurring ADHD and behavioural addiction: Evaluation and comparison of the 12-week retention rate of patients randomised to CBT compared with patients in the 'treatment as usual' control arm.

In order to meet the objective, the patient will take part in a standardized assessment, followed by a therapeutic intervention and a new standardized assessment after the intervention. The standardized assessment consists as follows :

• firstly, 7 self-questionnaires to be completed by the patient, lasting around 45 min, aimed at assessing his or her socio-demographic data; current symptoms, quality of life and functional impact related to ADHD; impulsivity, emotion regulation and assessment of possible anxiety-depressive disorders.
• Then the patient will follow the 10 session of cognitivo behavioural psychotherapy.
• At 12-weeks post-inclusion, an assessment visit is carried out during which a battery of tests will be administered. This is followed by a research interview with a professional, aimed at gathering his or her experiences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient over 18 (age ≥ 18 years)
• Patient treated in an outpatient addictology department at the CHU of Brest, Nantes or Tours and presenting an ADHD/behavioral addiction comorbidity
• Patient affiliated to a social security scheme
• For patients treated with methylphenidate: no change in treatment dosage during the previous three months.
• For patients not treated with methylphenidate: no introduction of methylphenidate within the next three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with psychotic disorders (assessed by clinician)
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women
• Patients under protective supervision (guardianship or curatorship)
• Persons under court protection
• Persons deprived of their liberty
• Patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria for CBT (e.g., cognitive impairment, hearing impairment).
• Physical inability to participate in CBT sessions (e.g., lack of telephone, foreseeable unavailability).
• Difficulty understanding self-questionnaires, including illiteracy.
• Participation in another interventional research protocol involving another psychotherapeutic or pharmacological intervention that may have an impact on clinical outcome.