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. 2024;9(5):e240006.
doi: 10.20900/jpbs.20240006. Epub 2024 Oct 9.

Training of Awareness in ADHD: Leveraging Metacognition

Agatha Lenartowicz  1 , Brett DeSchepper  2 , Gregory V Simpson  2
Affiliations

Training of Awareness in ADHD: Leveraging Metacognition

Agatha Lenartowicz et al. J Psychiatr Brain Sci. 2024.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is prevalent in children and adults, with significant impact on life outcomes. Common treatment strategies include a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions which have recognized limits to their effectiveness. Consequently, there exists interest in additional non-pharmacological interventions. In the current minireview we aim to complement existing surveys by focusing on a complementary approach, namely rooted in metacognition or the training of awareness. We review programs that incorporate metacognitive training of awareness in skill-training, psychosocial interventions, and mindfulness, and discuss existing assessments of metacognitive ability in ADHD. Existing data suggest that metacognitive approaches have potential in supporting symptom management in ADHD, with gains in objective assessments in near and far transfer tasks in educational research and high satisfaction from parents. Further research is warranted in assessment of the relative contribution of metacognitive elements relative to other treatment components, objective assessments of outcomes in psychosocial interventions, and efficacy in adult interventions.

Keywords: ADHD; awareness; metacognition; non-pharmaceutical; psychosocial; training.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AL has received payments as a consultant and holds shares in Think Now, Inc. BDS and GVS are officers of Think Now, Inc. and hold shares in Think Now, Inc. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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