Non-Pharmacological ADHD Treatments in Adult Clinical Trials

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that a variety of non-drug approaches are being explored for adult ADHD. These include intelligent cognitive stimulation, regular physical activity, and group therapy based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Some studies are also investigating the potential benefits of bright light therapy.

Key findings

• Intelligent cognitive stimulation programs are being tested to see if they can help with ADHD symptoms in adults.
• Regular physical exercise is being studied as a potential treatment for the main symptoms of ADHD, and initial research is looking into how practical and tolerable it is.
• A combination of physical exercise and personalized cognitive skills training is being investigated as a treatment for adult ADHD.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) based group treatment is being compared to standard care for adults with ADHD.
• Bright light therapy is being explored as a way to potentially prevent depression and obesity in young people with ADHD, often alongside physical exercise.

Studies cited (7)

1. A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intelligent Cognitive Stimulation Program for Adults with ADHD: Study Protocol — Canadas E, Maestu F, de Ramon I (2025, Journal of clinical medicine, rct)

   DOI: 10.3390/jcm14186629 PMCID: PMC12471158

2. Feasibility and tolerability of moderate intensity regular physical exercise as treatment for core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized pilot study — Svedell LA, Holmqvist KL, Lindvall MA (2023, Frontiers in sports and active living, rct)

   DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1133256 PMCID: PMC10225649

3. START - physical exercise and person-centred cognitive skills training as treatment for adult ADHD: protocol for a randomized controlled trial — Lindvall MA, Holmqvist KL, Svedell LA (2023, BMC psychiatry, rct)

   DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05181-1 PMCID: PMC10521407

4. Dialectical behavioral therapy-based group treatment versus treatment as usual for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a multicenter randomized controlled trial — Halmøy A, Ring AE, Gjestad R (2022, BMC psychiatry, rct)

   DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04356-6 PMCID: PMC9706966

5. Bright light therapy versus physical exercise to prevent co-morbid depression and obesity in adolescents and young adults with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial — Mayer JS, Hees K, Medda J (2018, Trials, rct)

   DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2426-1 PMCID: PMC5828138

6. A self-guided Internet-delivered intervention for adults with ADHD: A feasibility study — Nordby ES, Kenter RMF, Lundervold AJ (2021, Internet interventions, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100416 PMCID: PMC8350603

7. Tai Chi training for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A feasibility trial in college students — Converse AK, Barrett BP, Chewning BA (2020, Complementary therapies in medicine, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102538 PMCID: PMC7573198