Assessing adherence and clinical utility of modified goal management training for adolescents with ADHD: A pilot study

Abstract

Many adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have executive functioning (EF) difficulties that contribute to academic and social-emotional challenges. This pilot explored adherence to and effectiveness of modified Goal Management Training (GMT), an EF intervention, with ADHD youth. Six adolescents with ADHD (14–17 years, 2 female) participated in a 6-session online group. Adherence was tracked via attendance and homework. Reliable change scores gaged pre-post differences on measures before and after training (primary: everyday EF and goal attainment; secondary: EF task performance, functional impairment, emotional adjustment, and self-concept). All youth attended at least 4 sessions, though homework completion was mixed. Four youth achieved their goal, some demonstrated reliable change on outcome measures, and all evidenced a reduction in impairment. Results support the feasibility of modified GMT in adolescents with ADHD and suggest that youth may benefit from this more personalized and holistic approach to EF intervention.

Keywords:

• ADHD
• executive functioning
• goal management training
• intervention
• pilot study

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the youth and their families who participated in this study. We would also like to thank the Director and Administrative Coordinator of the [Center for Mental Health Research and Treatment for providing the administrative support required to run this group.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by a Canadian Psychological Association Neuropsychology Section Student Award.