To Örebro University

Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a negative impact on several domains of life.However, there is a shortage of evidence-based non-pharmacological treatments for adolescents with ADHD. Astructured skills training group (SSTG) based on dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has been used in adult patientswith ADHD with some promising results, although the treatment has not yet been adapted or evaluated foradolescents with ADHD. This study protocol describes how this treatment was adapted for an adolescentpopulation and how the efficacy of the SSTG will be evaluated using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design.

Methods: A sample of 184 adolescents (15–18 years of age) with a diagnosis of ADHD has been recruited fromseven child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient units and randomised to either the SSTG or an active controlgroup based on psychoeducation. Measures are conducted weekly during the treatment, as well as 2 weeks beforetreatment and 2 weeks and 6 months after treatment. The primary outcome measures are ADHD symptoms, functionalimpairment, quality of life and mindfulness. Secondary outcome measures are symptoms of comorbid psychopathology,perceived stress and sleep problems. This article describes the design, methods and analysis plan for evaluating theefficacy of the SSTG.

Discussion: The study will be the first RCT to examine the acceptability and efficacy of a SSTG based on DBT adapted foradolescents with ADHD. We believe that the study will extend the current knowledge base about psychologicaltreatment for adolescents with ADHD.