2021 Articles

Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network

Adamou, Marios; Asherson, Philip; Arif, Muhammad; Buckenham, Louise; Cubbin, Sally; Dancza, Karina; Gorman, Kirstie; Gudjonsson, Gísli; Gutman, Sharon; Kustow, James; Mabbott, Kerry; May-Benson, Teresa; Muller-Sedgwick, Ulrich; Pell, Emma; Pitts, Mark; Rastrick, Suzanne; Sedgwick, Jane; Smith, Kath; Taylor, Clare; Thompson, Lucy; van Rensburg, Kobus; Young, Susan

Background
ADHD is neurodevelopmental disorder which persists into adulthood. Presently, therapeutic approaches are mainly pharmacological and psychological whilst the role, scope and approaches of occupational therapists have not been adequately described.


Results
In this consensus statement we propose that by assessing specific aspects of a person’s occupation, occupational therapists can deploy their unique skills in providing specialist interventions for adults with ADHD. We also propose a framework with areas where occupational therapists can focus their assessments and give practice examples of specific interventions.


Conclusions
Occupational therapists have much to offer in providing interventions for adults with ADHD. A unified and flexible approach when working with adults with ADHD is most appropriate and further research on occupational therapy interventions is needed.