Brief summary
This study evaluates the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP), an online intervention combining psychoeducation with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). It aims to support adults with ADHD by enhancing psychological flexibility, self-acceptance, and skills to manage ADHD-related challenges. Qualitative feedback from 49 participants provided insights into the programme’s impact and areas for improvement.
Key findings
- Increased self-awareness and behavioural change: Participants reported significant epiphanies about themselves, with psychoeducation and ACT processes fostering new strategies for managing ADHD. Many described connecting with their values to guide meaningful actions.
- Enhanced self-acceptance: UMAAP encouraged participants to adopt a neurodivergent-affirmative view, fostering self-compassion and challenging internalised stigma. Group-based elements provided a sense of community and validation.
- Overwhelming content: Some participants found the programme overwhelming due to the volume and complexity of materials, with guidebooks and exercises seen as overly dense.
- Online delivery benefits and challenges: While the online format allowed flexibility, participants missed interactive elements and group connection. The webinar style felt restrictive, and technological barriers added to the challenges.
Practice recommendations
- Simplify materials: Reduce the density of session content and guidebooks, focusing on clarity and conciseness to support ADHD-friendly engagement.
- Extend programme duration: Spread topics across more sessions to allow participants time to process and apply concepts.
- Increase interaction: Incorporate more interactive elements, such as breakout rooms, to enhance group engagement and community-building.
- Consider hybrid formats: Evaluate the feasibility of offering both online and in-person options to accommodate diverse preferences.
- Tailor support tools: Ensure exercises and homework are designed with ADHD-specific needs in mind to minimise feelings of frustration or failure.
Reference
Seery, C., Leonard-Curtin, A., Naismith, L., King, N., Kilbride, K., Wrigley, M., Boyd, C., McHugh, L., & Bramham, J. (2023). The understanding and managing adult ADHD programme: A qualitative evaluation of online psychoeducation with acceptance and commitment therapy for adults with ADHD. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 29, 254–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2023.08.005
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