Group cognitive behavioral therapy integrated with usual care for adults with ADHD and substance use disorder

Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / Substance Use Disorder Comorbidity in Integrated Treatment: Effectiveness and Feasibility

This program will test whether adding group cognitive behavioral therapy to usual care helps adults who have both ADHD and a moderate-to-severe substance use disorder.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 132 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Paris)
• Trial ID: NCT06858527 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a longitudinal, randomized controlled crossover study comparing an integrated group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention with treatment-as-usual (TAU) using a waitlist design. Adults diagnosed with ADHD by DIVA and a moderate-to-severe substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) who are already in SUD care will be enrolled and randomized. Participants receive group CBT in addition to their usual care or remain on a TAU waitlist before crossing over to the intervention, with outcomes measured over time. The study is conducted in person at Hôpital Fernand Widal in Paris and uses standardized diagnostic criteria and structured group psychotherapy sessions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who speak French, are insured, have a DSM-5 moderate-to-severe substance use disorder (not limited to tobacco), have an ADHD diagnosis by DIVA, are currently receiving SUD treatment, and can provide informed consent are eligible.

Not a fit: People with only tobacco use disorder, severe cognitive impairment, inability to understand French, current confinement or recent protected environment for substance use, pregnancy/breastfeeding, or who cannot attend in-person group sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce substance use and improve ADHD symptoms and daily functioning by providing a structured, integrated psychotherapy option.

How similar studies have performed: CBT is well supported for substance use disorders and integrated approaches are recommended for ADHD-SUD comorbidity, but randomized trials of structured group CBT specifically for this combined population remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older ;
* Suffer from at least one moderate to severe SUD regarding the DSM-5 (tobacco excluded) ;
* Being currently treated for a SUD by a physician of a psychologist ;
* Being diagnosed with an ADHD according to the DIVA 2.0 of DIVA-5 ;
* Being affiliated to a health insurance ;
* Understanding and being able to express himselves in French
* Signed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age under 18;
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
* Not having sign the consent form;
* Major difficulties in understanding and/or expressing themselves in french;
* Severe cognitive impairment;
* Acute medical condition making assessment impossible and/or contraindicating participation in group intervention;
* Substance use disorder in a protected environment, currentlu or in the last 15 days, or expected during the study;
* No substance use disorder other than tobacco use disorder;
* Persons under guardianship;
* Participant deprived of liberty or under penal care orders;
* Participation in another group psychotherapeutic intervention throughout the duration of the intervention

Where this trial is running

Paris

• Hôpital Fernand Widal, Assistance-Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris — Paris, France (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Norman Therribout, PhD — Paris-Nanterre University, UR-4430 CLIPSYD ; Paris-Cité University, UMR-S-1144 INSERM; Fernand-Widal Hospital AP-HP
• Study coordinator: Norman Therribout, PhD

Conditions Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Substance-related Disorder; Substance-Related Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Dual Diagnosis; Randomized Controlled Trial