Research Article
Issue Date: January/February 2020
Published Online: October 22, 2019
Updated: April 30, 2020
Effectiveness of a Tailored Intervention for Women With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and ADHD Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Study
Sharon A. Gutman; Sheetala Balasubramanian; Maya Herzog; Elizabeth Kim; Hannah Swirnow; Yudis Retig; Samantha Wolff
Author Affiliations
  • Sharon A. Gutman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is Professor, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York; sg2422@cumc.columbia.edu
  • Sheetala Balasubramanian, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York.
  • Maya Herzog, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York.
  • Elizabeth Kim, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York.
  • Hannah Swirnow, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York.
  • Yudis Retig, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York.
  • Samantha Wolff, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Programs in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York.
Article Information
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / Research Articles
Research Article   |   October 22, 2019
Effectiveness of a Tailored Intervention for Women With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and ADHD Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Study
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2019, Vol. 74, 7401205010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.033316
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, October 2019, Vol. 74, 7401205010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.033316
Abstract

Importance: Women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD symptoms may experience difficulty carrying out desired life roles and activities.

Objective: To determine whether a 7-wk tailored occupation-based intervention can reduce perceived stress and ADHD symptoms and enhance perceived performance of and satisfaction with daily roles and activities among women with ADHD.

Design: Randomization to intervention (n = 11) and control (n = 12) groups.

Setting: Home and community.

Participants: Twenty-three participants ages 20–55 yr, English speaking, and with a self-reported diagnosis of ADHD.

Intervention: The intervention was administered for 7 wk in individual 1-hr sessions and addressed routine establishment, organization, time management, stress management, and sensory regulation in the home and community.

Outcomes and Measures: Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.

Results: At 1-wk postintervention, statistically significant differences were found between intervention and control groups in perceived stress (Z = –3.838, p < .000, d = –2.66), ADHD symptoms (Z = –3.605, p < .000, d = –2.17), and COPM Performance (Z = –4.074, p < .000, d = 3.04) and Satisfaction change scores (Z = –3.759, p < .000, d = 2.82).

Conclusion and Relevance: A 7-wk tailored intervention reduced perceived stress and ADHD symptoms and enhanced perceived performance of and satisfaction with desired occupational roles and activities in a sample of women with ADHD. Further research is warranted to determine whether the intervention can be useful to women with ADHD beyond the present sample.

What This Article Adds: This intervention may offer an effective nonpharmacological option for women with ADHD symptoms.