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Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that persists into adulthood and is characterized by deficits in attention and the presence of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Although pharmacological treatment is the basis of treatment, in recent years psychotherapeutic interventions have gained particular relevance due to their secondary benefits, such as emotional regulation and improved executive functioning. The objective of this research was to analyze empirically supported psychological treatments for ADHD in adults through a systematic review. The PRISMA 2020 criteria were applied as a methodological guide and CONSORT 2010 to assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies, in addition to the use of Rayyan for the screening process. An exhaustive search was conducted in Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, which concluded on January 13, 2025. Randomized clinical trials published between 2010 and 2025 that evaluated psychological interventions for adults with ADHD without other comorbidities, published in English and/or Spanish, and with access to full text were included. As a result, 27 studies evaluating various treatment modalities were selected. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) showed consistent reductions in inattention, impulsivity, and emotional symptoms, with sustained effects. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) showed improvements in executive function, attention, and inhibitory control. Neurofeedback and alternative programs such as “Cogmed,” “PEGASUS,” Occupational Intervention, Goal Management Training, and Online Self-Guided Intervention provided specific benefits without impacting core symptoms. The evidence supports CBT as one of the psychological interventions of first choice for multimodal treatment in adults with ADHD, due to its high reproducibility. In general, the trials were of adequate methodological quality, despite the heterogeneity of the interventions. This review did not receive external funding.
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