Date of Award

Spring 5-2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Metzger, Jay

Keywords

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adult ADHD, ADHD, pharmaceutical, nonpharmaceutical, stimulant therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness behavioral therapy

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly considered a childhood disorder diagnosed and treated in adolescents. Options for management of adverse symptoms associated with ADHD are primarily pharmaceutical therapy, most commonly stimulant therapy. There has been significantly less research regarding the management of adult ADHD in contrast with children diagnosed with ADHD. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to determine in adults with ADHD if nonpharmaceutical therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness behavioral therapy are effective alternatives to pharmaceutical therapy. Current research provides significant data supporting the use of pharmaceutical therapy for the management of adult ADHD, as well as the use of nonpharmaceutical therapies in combination with pharmaceutical therapy. Future research could be conducted to isolate nonpharmaceutical therapy for the long-term management of symptoms of adult ADHD. This research could benefit a patient population in which the use of pharmaceutical treatment is contraindicated or not preferred.

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