Efficacy of Online Intervention for ADHD: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundWith the popularity of computers, the internet, and the global spread of COVID-19, more and more attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients need timely interventions through the internet. At present, there are many online intervention schemes may help these patients. It is necessary to integrate data to analyze their effectiveness.ObjectivesOur purpose is to integrate the ADHD online interventions trials, study its treatment effect and analyze its feasibility, and provide reference information for doctors in other institutions to formulate better treatment plans.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries. We didn't limit the start date and end date of search results. Our last search was on December 1, 2021. The keyword is ADHD online therapy. We used the Cochrane bias risk tool to assess the quality of included studies, used the standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect scale indicator to measure data. Random effects model, subgroup analysis were used to analyze the data.ResultsSix randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified, including 261 patients with ADHD. These studies showed that online interventions was more effective than waiting list in improving attention deficit and social function of adults and children with ADHD. The attention deficit scores of subjects were calculated in six studies. The sample size of the test group was 123, the sample size of the control group was 133, and the combined SMD was −0.73 (95% confidence interval: −1.01, −0.44). The social function scores of subjects were calculated in six studies. The sample size of the experimental group was 123 and the control group was 133. The combined SMD was −0.59 (95% confidence interval: −0.85, −0.33).ConclusionsThe results show that online interventions of ADHD may be an effective intervention. In the future, we need more online intervention researches to improve the symptoms of different patients, especially for some patients who have difficulties in accepting face-to-face treatment.

Provision of digital health interventions for young people with ADHD in primary care: findings from a national survey and scoping review

“…However, ADHD appears to be neglected in the evidence base of DHIs (19). In particular, there is limited evidence for interventions which provide support for young people with ADHD, aged 16-25 (17,19). This is of importance because of the transitions that young people often experience at this age, such as the transition from child to adolescent mental health services, within the education system, and leaving home/parental-care.…”

“…A key nding from the scoping review is that relatively few studies focus on the development of interventions for adolescents and young people with ADHD. Other systematic reviews in this area of research nd interventions aimed at younger populations, but the evidence for people aged 16-25 is limited (17,19). This was the rst review to exclusively focus on this age range, and only 10 papers were yielded.…”

“…Evidence suggests that DHIs for ADHD can be a bene cial adjunct to usual care and improve attention and social function for people with ADHD (17,18). They may also help people with ADHD to understand and self-manage their ADHD by providing information to help make informed decisions about healthcare or acting as reminders and aids to perform self-management activities such as medication adherence.…”

A study protocol of a randomized controlled study of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…To date, only one meta-analysis has been carried out, which included six studies and found that internet-based interventions increased attention and social functioning. Still, despite some indications of benefit, the number of studies were few and included small sample sizes ( n s < 30), highlighting the need for additional research ( Shou et al, 2022 ). Apart from outcome studies, investigations on the feasibility and usability of online interventions and smartphone applications have also been made.…”

“…Given the scarcity of research on psychological treatments for ADHD-symptoms in general, and internet-based interventions in particular, there is a need for additional studies in order to test their efficacy. This is especially true for adequately powered randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up assessments ( Shou et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, given the many challenges that face individuals with ADHD-symptoms in both educational and occupational settings and the lack of support being provided in these contexts, providing online interventions may prove to be helpful for many university students and employed individuals with these types of issues.…”