Adult ADHD Treatment Based on Combination of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as Measured by Subjective and Objective Scales

Abstract

Almost 30% of ADHD adults do not respond to standard pharmaceuticals. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a method for modulation of cortical excitability. On the other hand, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral approach that might be utilized for adults with ADHD. The effects of integration of these interventions are only beginning to be explored. In the present work, we used both subjective and objective measures to investigate the effects of tDCS, DBT, and the integration of the two in treating adult ADHD symptoms. A total of 80 adults with ADHD (63 females, 17 males) participated in the study and were grouped into control, DBT, tDCS, and combined groups. Based on the observed results, the combination of DBT and tDCS was significantly effective in improving the mentioned variables compared to administration of each method in isolation. The results are discussed in terms of neurophysiological and psychological aspects of treatment methods.

Keywords

tDCS DBT adult ADHD combined treatment DLPFC

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