Cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with ADHD and behavioral addictions
Feasibility and Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Patients With ADHD/Behavioral Addiction Comorbidity: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (ADHDDICT)
NA · University Hospital, Tours · NCT06797726
This pilot will test whether a 10-session cognitive-behavioral therapy program helps adults with both ADHD and behavioral addictions stay in treatment and reduce symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Tours (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Brest and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06797726 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized pilot compares a 10-session standardized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program to treatment-as-usual in adults with co-occurring ADHD and behavioral addiction. Participants complete a baseline standardized assessment including seven self-report questionnaires (~45 minutes) covering symptoms, quality of life, impulsivity and emotion regulation, then receive either CBT or usual care and are reassessed 12 weeks after inclusion. The primary outcome is the 12-week retention rate, with additional symptom and functional measures collected at follow-up. The trial is conducted at outpatient addictology departments in three French university hospitals (Brest, Nantes, Tours).
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) treated in outpatient addictology departments at CHU Brest, Nantes, or Tours who have comorbid ADHD and a behavioral addiction and meet the study's medication-stability requirements for methylphenidate.
Not a fit: Patients with psychotic disorders, significant cognitive or hearing impairments, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those under legal guardianship or deprived of liberty, or those unable to attend CBT sessions or complete questionnaires are not expected to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could improve treatment retention and reduce impulsive and addictive behaviors in adults with ADHD and behavioral addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Cognitive-behavioral therapy has demonstrated benefit for behavioral addictions and for managing impulsivity in ADHD, but randomized evidence specifically targeting the combined ADHD plus behavioral addiction population is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where this trial is running
Brest and 2 other locations
- CHU La Cavale Blanche — Brest, France (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Centre Hospitalier Saint Jacques — Nantes, France (ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING)
- CHRU De Tours — Tours, France (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Servane BARRAULT, Dr — CHRU de Tours
- Study coordinator: Servane BARRAULT, Dr
- Email: s.barrault@chu-tours.fr
- Phone: (+33)2.47.47.91.91
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: ADHD, Behavioral Addiction, CBT, Cognitive behavioral therapy