Organizational Skills Training versus Mindfulness for Teens with ADHD

Pilot Comparative Efficacy Randomized Controlled Trial of Organizational Skills Training (OST) and Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) for Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT07089745

We will test whether organizational skills training or mindfulness works better for teens (13–17) who already have an ADHD diagnosis and are seen at the Duke ADHD Program.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT07089745 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial will assign adolescents with a documented ADHD diagnosis to eight 90-minute sessions of either Organizational Skills Training (OST) or a Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI). Participants and one caregiver complete REDCap questionnaires before and after treatment measuring ADHD symptoms (Conners-3), functional impairment (IRS), executive functioning (BRIEF-2), emotion dysregulation (DERS), trait mindfulness (FFMQ), organizational skills, treatment satisfaction, and credibility. Feasibility metrics include attendance and homework completion across the treatment course. The trial is conducted at the Duke ADHD Program and excludes youths whose psychiatric comorbidity would interfere with treating ADHD as the primary concern.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adolescents aged 13–17 with a documented ADHD diagnosis who are seeking care at the Duke ADHD Program and can attend eight 90-minute sessions with a caregiver available for assessments.

Not a fit: Teens with psychiatric comorbidities that make ADHD a secondary concern, those unable to attend in-person sessions, or who cannot complete homework and caregiver assessments may not receive benefit from this intervention comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose the approach that better reduces ADHD symptoms and improves organization and emotional regulation in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown organizational skills training can improve organization and functioning in adolescents with ADHD, while mindfulness programs have shown mixed but sometimes promising effects, making a direct comparison useful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adolescent between the ages of 13-17 years
* Pre-existing diagnosis of ADHD in medical record
* Seeking treatment at the Duke ADHD Program

Exclusion Criteria:

* Psychiatric comorbidity that interferes with treating ADHD as the presenting concern per the study team.
* Other concerns besides ADHD that would interfere with study participation according to the study team.

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ADHDADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivityadhdattention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.