Comparative Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Executive Functions, Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome, Stress Management, and Quality of Life in Adults with ADHD (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often involves executive dysfunction, cognitive disengagement, high stress, and reduced quality of life. Despite advances in pharmacological treatment, effective non-pharmacological interventions remain essential. OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in improving ADHD symptoms, Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS), cold and hot executive functions, stress management, and quality of life METHODS A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted with 60 adults diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were randomly assigned to CBT, MBCT, or control groups. Standardized measures assessed ADHD symptoms, executive functions, CDS, stress, and quality of life. Data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for baseline scores. RESULTS MANCOVA revealed a significant group effect on the combined dependent variables (Wilks’ Lambda = .43, F(12, 102) = 3.92, p < .001, η² = .29). Follow-up ANCOVAs indicated significant improvements in both intervention groups compared with control (all p < .01), with MBCT showing greater effects on hot executive functioning, stress, and CDS (η² range: .18–.30). CONCLUSIONS Both CBT and MBCT effectively improved cognitive and emotional outcomes in adults with ADHD, with MBCT providing additional benefits for stress regulation and cognitive disengagement. Integration of mindfulness into ADHD interventions is recommended.