Abstract
<b>Objective.<b> Evaluate and compare the efficacy of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions on work-relevant outcomes, such as time management and productivity, for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
<b>Method.<b> A meta-analysis that searched 12 databases. Included studies had a control group and an outcome measure related to workplace functioning or addressing time management/organisation. Studies included intervention groups with 52% men and a mean age of 33.2 years. We evaluated studies using the random effects model and summarised standardised mean difference. We assessed sensitivity, publication bias, and risk of bias.
<b>Results.<b> We evaluated the efficacy of 23 studies, including 3,835 participants. Overall, pharmacological (d = .19) and psychosocial (d = .56) interventions were more efficacious at improving work-relevant outcomes than control. Treatment with Methylphenidate was the only robust effect comparing the pharmacological interventions. For psychosocial interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy showed the most robust effect. There was evidence of heterogeneity, hence findings need to be interpreted with caution.
<b>Conclusions.<b> Findings suggest that combining pharmacological and psychosocial interventions may be useful for improving work related outcomes. However, we contend that these need to be designed with transferability to the workplace in mind. For example, improving organization skills in workplace settings.