TDNet Discover

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common condition that affects much of the world’s population. This disorder is characterized as an ongoing pattern of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention that can interfere with daily activities of living and the ability to function socially. Patients who present with ADHD are most commonly treated with stimulants, such as Adderall, to promote wakefulness, concentration and increased mental alertness. Although stimulants improve symptoms associated with ADHD, their side effect profile can have serious implications. Objective: To determine if there is sufficient data suggesting that cognitive behavioral therapy is a better alternative to medication for ADHD treatment. Methods: An evidence-based medicine literature review study design was completed by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and Core databases. Studies were found using search phrases like “Adderall abuse long term effects,” “pharmacological treatment of ADHD with Adderall,” “Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD,” and “pharmacologic use of Adderall.” The following limits were used: peer reviewed, patients must be human, and within the last ten years. The study population included ADHD patients between the ages of 18 and 65. A thorough search and review process was conducted to select the studies included in this systematic review. To further examine each article, a quality assessment, level of evidence, and data extraction were performed. Results: One systematic review and two randomized control studies were included in this review. The patient population was at least 18 years of age and had a primary diagnosis of ADHD. To guarantee compliance, the studies took in to account factors such as pill counting, a requirement to attend a minimum amount of sessions, and reminder calls. All articles used were rated as “good” for internal validity. These studies suggested that CBT could be used as an alternative to stimulants, though there was not enough evidence to confirm its use as a first-line treatment. Despite this, research shows that medication treatment is not essential for increasing the patient’s receptivity to cognitive behavioral therapy. Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral therapy appears to be effective in the management of ADHD, though current research is unable to fully endorse it as being as effective as stimulant therapy. Ultimately, CBT used as an adjunct to medication is more beneficial than medication therapy alone. The data results are promising for cognitive behavioral therapy, though further research needs to be focused on more specific criteria and larger sample sizes in order to assess the possibility of CBT as a first-line treatment in ADHD.