Self Concept, Action Control and ADHD Symptoms under Methylphenidate Treatment in Adults with ADHD

Introduction: Self-efficacy of adults with ADHD might be changed unfavourably under methylphenidate treatment. Therefore, we sought to investigate the initial situation and changes under this medication, regarding features related to self-efficacy (self concept, locus of control and action control). Methods: 3 self-rating scales (FSKN, IPC, and HAKEMP-90/ACS-90) were applied to 24 adults with ADHD combined type, before and after 5 months of methylphenidate treatment. Results: No negative changes with respect to ADHD symptoms or any questionnaire were found under medication. In fact, both ADHD symptom domains, 5 out of 10 self concept subscale scores, and all 3 action control subscale scores changed favourably. Regression analysis revealed that only facets of self concept, but not of locus of control or of action control, predicted the patients' response to stimulant medication (i.e., a reduction of ADHD symptoms). Discussion: Positive changes of self-concept and action control features under methylphenidate treatment in this Study may encourage therapists to treat adults with ADHD with stimulants, thus not being at risk to decrease their patients' self-efficacy. In combined pharmacological/psychotherapeutic approaches, self-concept scales could be used to predict treatment outcome, and in order to monitor interactions between ADHD symptom reduction and self concept.