Effect of Psychotherapy Interventions on Emotion Regulation in Adults with ADHD: A Systematic Review
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review is to systematically review randomized controlled trials examining the effects of psychotherapy-based interventions on emotion regulation in adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, TR Dizin, and ULAKBİM databases were searched up to May 2025 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Based on criteria, six studies were included in the systematic review. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment (Cochrane Rob 2) tool. The studies reviewed were subsequently examined and evaluated in terms of sample characteristics, research designs, measurement tools, and findings. The findings revealed that psychotherapy interventions generally increased emotion regulation skills in the intervention group; however, only three studies showed that this improvement was statistically significant compared to the control group. It was observed that only self-report instruments were used, measurements of positive emotion regulation were lacking, and analyses according to ADHD subtypes were absent. Accordingly, it is recommended that future studies should incorporate more objective measurement methods, evaluate positive emotion regulation processes, and distinguish effects specific to ADHD subtypes.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy Practise and Research
Journal Section
Review
Authors
Early Pub Date
May 2, 2026
Publication Date
-
Submission Date
December 12, 2025
Acceptance Date
April 22, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication
