The treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should be multimodal. Apart from pharmacological treatment, that is frequently insufficient, psychosocial interventions are considered worthwile. In order to assess the usefulness of a coaching procedure in adult ADHD with respect to symptoms and daily life functioning a pilot study was performed. Beforee and after the coaching symptoms and functioning were rated.

Ten patient (age 25-61, 6 males) with a deiagnosis of ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria were included. They took part in an 8 weeks structured coaching procedure once weekly for two hours. Before and after the coaching patients were assessed with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, The Attention Deficit Self Rating Scale (ASRS), the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS), the Quality of Life, Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-Les-Q) and the Weiss Adult Functional Impairment Rating Scale. The ratings were done by the patients and a significant other (e.g. spouse)

There were no significant effects on symptoms of ADHD as rated by the patients. The significant other however noted improvement. Functioning in daily life, as measured with the Weiss, showed a significant improvement.

Improvement or not-improvement of ADHD symptoms does not automatically parallel functional outcome in daily life. Psychosocial measures may be of benefit in this respect.