Psychodynamic psychotherapy of ADHD: A review of the literature.

Abstract

Contributions of psychodynamic psychotherapy to the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been sparse. However, mixed results of other interventions, including behavior therapy and medication, call for a systematic examination of psychodynamic contributions to treatment of ADHD children. A systematic review of the literature on psychodynamic psychotherapy with ADHD children yielded a combination of 23 case studies, research reports, and theoretical writings. Questions relevant to the practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy were the focus and included a review of psychodynamic diagnosis of ADHD, theoretical orientations of psychodynamic psychotherapy, identification of core treatment issues, clinical examples, and theoretical perspectives on therapeutic change as well as practice techniques. A review of 231 abstracts resulted from key word searches including ADHD, Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic, and Psychoanalytic. Once inclusion criteria were met, the information from the literature was organized according to categories reflecting the review's focus. Findings of the review are provided to guide psychodynamic psychotherapists in their treatment of ADHD children. Recommendations for future individual and group studies are discussed.

The impact of psychological theory on the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults: A scoping review

“…Over the years, several systematic reviews of treatments for adult ADHD have been published. Searches were undertaken through Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Campbell Library show some of these reviews are specific to the efficacy of a particular intervention approach, such as psychodynamic therapy [ 35 ], homoeopathy [ 36 ], Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) [ 37 – 41 ], Mindfulness [ 42 , 43 ], and Meditation [ 44 , 45 ]. Others have been focused on efficacy [ 2 , 15 , 16 , 46 – 48 ], long term outcomes [ 10 , 49 ], or guidance [ 50 ].…”

“…A group intervention [ 294 ], single [ 295 , 296 ] or double case studies [ 297 – 299 ] were reviewed, as well as an evaluation study [ 300 ]. Much of the literature consists of literature reviews [ 35 , 301 – 304 ] and guidance pieces [ 152 , 305 , 306 ], which demonstrate considerable debate in the characterisation and aetiology of ADHD. Early papers reflect issues in clinical approaches by highlighting the importance of considering ADHD diagnosis as defined by DSM-IV in light of epidemiological evidence [ 301 , 307 ].…”

Elevating hope among children with Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder through virtual reality

“…Current interventions for emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with ADHD include pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Psychodynamic (Gilmore, 2000, 2002; Conway, 2012) and cognitive behavioral therapy (Safren et al, 2010; Antshel et al, 2011, 2012) are two types of psychotherapeutic approaches that have been utilized for ADHD and shown to be beneficial. The drawback of psychotherapy is that it is expensive, not always available, and may be challenging in the setting of ADHD in which children have difficulty in focusing.…”

Effectiveness of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Behavioral Therapy Treatment in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder

“…A recent literature review of psychodynamic psychotherapy for ADHD children (Conway, 2012) reported 13 case studies, one prevention research study using pre-post-treatment design, and one retrospective outcome study of patients' charts. The Frankfurt Prevention Study, a cluster randomized controlled trial, compared children who underwent the psychoanalytically based ADHD and other disruptive disorders prevention program, Early Steps, with an untreated control group in 14 daycare centers in Frankfurt, Germany.…”