BJPsych Open (Nov 2023)

Chatbot-supported psychoeducation in adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: randomised controlled trial

  • Benjamin Selaskowski,
  • Meike Reiland,
  • Marcel Schulze,
  • Behrem Aslan,
  • Kyra Kannen,
  • Annika Wiebe,
  • Torben Wallbaum,
  • Susanne Boll,
  • Silke Lux,
  • Alexandra Philipsen,
  • Niclas Braun

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.573
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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Background Although psychoeducation is generally recommended for the treatment of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), participation in clinical psychoeducation groups is impeded by waiting times and the constrained number of patients who can simultaneously attend a group. Digital psychoeducation attempts are promising, but the rapidly expanding number of apps lack evidence and are mostly limited to only a few implemented interactive elements. Aims To determine the potential of digital, self-guided psychoeducation for adult ADHD, a newly developed interactive chatbot was compared with a previously validated, conventional psychoeducation app. Method Forty adults with ADHD were randomised, of whom 17 participants in each group completed self-guided psychoeducation based on either a chatbot or conventional psychoeducation app between October 2020 and July 2021. ADHD core symptoms were assessed before and after the 3-week interventions, using both the blinded observer-rated Integrated Diagnosis of ADHD in Adulthood interview and the self-rated ADHD Self-Assessment Scale (ADHS-SB). Results Observer- and patient-rated ADHD symptoms were significantly reduced from pre- to post-intervention (observer-rated: mean difference −6.18, 95% CI −8.06 to −4.29; patient-rated: mean difference −2.82, 95% CI −4.98 to −0.67). However, there were no group × intervention interaction effects that would indicate a stronger therapeutic benefit of one of the interventions. Likewise, administered psychoeducational knowledge quizzes did not show differences between the groups. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions Self-guided psychoeducation based on a chatbot or a conventional app appears similarly effective and safe for improving ADHD core symptoms. Future research should compare additional control interventions and examine patient-related outcomes and usability preferences in detail.

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