The Efficacy of Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Reducing Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Impairment in Indian University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder persisting into adulthood is associated with academic and social impairment among university students. Despite a growing burden in India, culturally adapted and scalable interventions remain limited. Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is evidence-based for adult ADHD, but has not been rigorously evaluated in Indian higher education settings.Objective: This randomised controlled trial examined the efficacy of a 26-session culturally adapted group CBT protocol in reducing core ADHD symptoms and executive function impairment among Indian university students in Delhi, compared to a waitlist control.Methods: A total of 674 university students aged 21–26 years who met DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD were randomly assigned to group CBT (n = 337) or a waitlist control (n = 337). ADHD symptoms and executive functions were assessed using the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale and the NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery at baseline, post-intervention at 12 weeks, and 3-month follow-up. Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted using linear mixed models. Mean session attendance was 89.3%.Results: Compared to controls, the CBT group showed significantly greater reductions in inattention, d = 2.31, p < .001, and hyperactivity-impulsivity, d = 1.58, p < .001, and significant improvements in executive function, d = 1.18, p < .001, at post-intervention. Treatment gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up.Conclusions: Culturally adapted group CBT is an efficacious and scalable intervention for reducing ADHD symptoms and improving executive function in Indian university students. Findings support integrating group CBT into higher-education student support and counselling services.Keywords: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Cognitive behavioural therapy; Executive function; University students; India; Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kadim Lovakumari, Tosendra Dwivedi
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7211937850