Non-pharmacological treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD). Overview and report of the first international symposium on the non-pharmacological management of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects the day-to-day functioning of children and adults with this condition. Pharmacological treatment can reduce the symptoms associated with ADHD, but it has some limitations. The objective of this symposium is to determine the effects of non-pharmacological approaches on ADHD symptoms. Results indicate that the following intervention are promising approaches: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), yoga, cognitive and metacognitive intervention, neurofeedback and parental training programs. Current research advocates multimodal approaches in conjunction with school or work accommodations integrating innovative technologies.

Working Memory Training for Adults With ADHD.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Cogmed training on working memory in adults with ADHD, including the generalization of effects to nonverbal reasoning, executive function in daily life, and ADHD symptoms. Method: Adults of ages 18 to 63 with ADHD were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received the working memory training or to a placebo group that received a low-intensity comparison version of the training. Results: participants in the experimental group showed greater improvement in verbal and visuospatial working memory capacity. Effects persisted 6 months after intervention completion. However, effects did not generalize elsewhere. Conclusion: The results challenge the claims made by Cogmed to the effect that the program is effective in treating attention problems and improving performance in daily life over the long term in adults with ADHD.

Self-Rated ADHD Symptoms Among Biological Mothers or Fathers of Children with Confirmed ADHD in a French Population.

Parents of children with ADHD are more likely to present the disorder, which can affect quality of life and parenting strategies. Few studies have examined parental ADHD to date, none in France. Prevalence of self-rated ADHD symptoms in adulthood and childhood was estimated among 60 biological mothers or fathers of children with confirmed ADHD in France. Cutoffs were total score ≥46 on the Wender Utah Rating Scale and ≥4 on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener. Results indicated possible child and adult ADHD in 12.5% of mothers and 10.0% of fathers. As these percentages exceed reported prevalence rates for the French population, a greater effort must be made to diagnose the disorder in parents.