Internet-based Support for Young People With ADHD and Autism - a Controlled Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are offered internet-based support and coaching during eight weeks (chat and e-mail). Data is collected before and after the intervention and six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires pertaining to sense of coherence, self-esteem, quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and socioeconomic status. Parents complete an assessment scale for the next of kin. After treatment the young people are interviewed regarding the quality of the intervention. A comparison group matched for age, gender and neuropsychiatric diagnosis is offered treatment as usual and is assessed at the same time points as the intervention group. The individuals are not randomized due to difficulties to recruit if the individuals do not know group assignment in advance.

Detailed Description
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Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are consecutively included in the project and are offered coaching and support during eight weeks over the internet (chat and e-mail) twice a week. Data is collected before and after the intervention as well as six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires (Sense of Coherence (SOC), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA), Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD)). A parent or a partner completes an assessment scale for the next of kin. When treatment is completed, the young people are interviewed using a structured interview pertaining to the quality of the intervention. A comparison group matched for age, gender and neuropsychiatric diagnosis is offered treatment as usual (TAU) and is assessed at the same time points as the intervention group. The individuals are not randomized to the intervention and comparison groups due to difficulties to recruit if the individuals do not know group assignment in advance. In all, 24 individuals will be offered the intervention and 24 individuals will receive TAU.

Official Title
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Internet-based Support and Coaching for Adolescents and Young Adults With ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders - a Controlled Study

Conditions
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ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Internet based support and coaching


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorder Age 15 to 30 Exclusion Criteria: No current antisocial behaviour, psychotic symptoms and/or alcohol/substance abuse

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 15 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Internet based support and coaching<br>Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are offered internet-based support and coaching during eight weeks (chat and e-mail). Data is collected before and after the intervention and six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires pertaining to sense of coherence, self-esteem, quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and socioeconomic status. Parents complete an assessment scale for the next of kin. After treatment the young people are interviewed regarding the quality of the intervention. | Other: Internet based support and coaching<br>* Young people between age 15 and 25 with ADHD and/or autism spectrum disorders are offered internet-based support and coaching during eight weeks (chat and e-mail). Data is collected before and after the intervention and six months after end of treatment using self-report questionnaires pertaining to sense of coherence, self-esteem, quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and socioeconomic status. Parents complete an assessment scale for the next of kin. After treatment the young people are interviewed regarding the quality of the intervention.<br>|
| No Intervention: Treatment as usual (TAU)<br>A comparison group matched for age, gender and neuropsychiatric diagnosis is offered treatment as usual and is assessed at the same time points as the intervention group. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QoL | Self report questionnaire; Manchester Short Assesment of Quality of Life (MANSA), Priebe et. al. 1999. | T2: immediately after intervention; T3: 6 months after intervention. Outcome Measure is going to report a change. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self esteem | Self report questionnaire; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965, 1989) | T2: immediately after intervention; T3: 6 months after intervention | 
| Sense of coherence | Self report questionnaire; Sense of Coherence (SOC-29), Antonovsky, 1987. | T2: immediately after intervention; T3: 6 months after intervention | 
| Anxiety and depressive symptoms | Self report questionnaire; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Zigmond & Snaith, 1983. | T2: immediately after intervention; T3: 6 months after intervention | 
| Depressive symptoms | Self report questionnaire; Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Montgomery & Asberg, 1979. | T2: immediately after intervention; T3: 6 months after intervention | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, controlled, Internet based, coaching