Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Apr 27, 2020
Date Accepted: Sep 22, 2020
Internet-based support and coaching with complementary clinic visits for young people with ADHD and autism : a controlled feasibility study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Individuals with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can experience obstacles in traditional health care situations due to difficulties associated with their impairment.
Objective:
The aim of this controlled study was to investigate the feasibility of an internet-based support and coaching intervention (IBSC) including twice weekly chat sessions and two complementary clinic visits with coaches over the course of 8 weeks, for adolescents and young adults with ADHD and/or ASD in two naturalistic routine care settings.
Methods:
Individuals with ADHD and/or ASD aged 15-32 years were recruited in two clinical settings, where they received either IBSC (n=24) or Treatment As Usual (TAU) (n=20). Outcome measures included self-report questionnaires assessing quality of life (MANSA), sense of coherence (SOC), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale), anxiety (HADS) and depressive symptoms (HADS; MADRS-S).
Results:
Significant between-group effects were seen on measures of anxiety (HADS) at post intervention (P=.024) as well as at 6 month follow-up (P=.004). Significant between-group effects were also noted for depressive symptoms (HADS) at post intervention (P=.036). Between group effects were partially explained by a deterioration in the TAU group. A significant increase in self-esteem (P=.038) as well as a decrease in anxiety (P=.003) at six month follow-up was seen in the intervention group following IBSC. Findings from a qualitative study of the intervention are in keeping with the results.
Conclusions:
Results suggest that IBSC holds promise as a feasible complement or alternative to traditional face-to-face health care meetings. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02300597
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