The Effects of ADHD on the Course and Outcome of Addiction Treatment in Clients of Therapeutic Communities: research design
Abstract
Background: both clinical practice and research have shown that the ADHD syndrome can be a significant risk factor for residential treatment in therapeutic communities. It may strongly affect the safety and quality of treatment of people dependent on psychoactive substances.
While having a major impact on psychological functions, ADHD in adults has received little research interest with relevance to addiction treatment-related clinical psychology. Aims: to test the specific effects of ADHD on psychological resilience, stress management, emotional lability, and life skills in general among clients of therapeutic communities (TCs) for addicts.
Sample: an experimental study will be used to conduct a thorough psychological examination of a representative sample comprising approximately 170 clients of eight selected TCs in the Czech Republic. Methods: the test battery comprises specific ADHD diagnostic tools and methods intended to check for any other conditions.
The clients will be divided into two groups: (A) with the ADHD diagnosis and (B) without it. Clients in treatment will then be examined using a specially designed battery in order to show a higher rate of expected signs and complications in Sample A and to understand and describe their impact on treatment.
Results: the study should clearly show whether we can effectively and reliably diagnose the ADHD syndrome in this group of clients and whether this client population may really differ from other clients as regards their behaviour and responses in specific areas. It should also be demonstrated whether ADHD does indeed have a negative impact on the process and outcome of addiction treatment.
Conclusion: the successful implementation of the project should provide opportunities for targeted development and testing of a specific intervention that will increase the chances of the successful completion of treatment and its better outcome. The safety of both clients and staff will also be improved.