How a Digital ADHD Therapy May Help Adults Cut Symptoms and Improve Daily Function

A new randomized controlled trial has reported clinically relevant benefits for adults with ADHD using the digital therapy attexis. The study, published in Psychological Medicine, found that adults who used the program in addition to treatment as usual showed a significant improvement in ADHD symptom severity after three months compared with a control group.

The research involved 337 adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis. Investigators from GAIA in Hamburg worked with Saarland University Medical Center, the University Medical Center Mainz, the University Hospital Bonn, the University of Lübeck, and Kiel University to examine how well the digital intervention performed.

What the trial found

Beyond symptom reduction, the intervention group also showed significant and clinically relevant improvement in several areas of daily life. These included work functioning, social functioning, self-esteem, and quality of life. The study also found a reduction in depressive symptoms among attexis users.

The report noted that the digital therapy showed effect sizes similar to face-to-face psychotherapy for ADHD. It was also described as being well accepted by users.

How the digital therapy works

attexis is built on cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, together with mindfulness-based techniques. The program delivers psychoeducation and therapeutic strategies through a conversational format. It also includes self-monitoring tools and reminder functions.

Because it is self-guided, the therapy can be integrated into existing treatment plans more easily.

Why the findings matter for adult care

The findings come at a time when access to care remains limited for many adults with ADHD in Germany and across Europe. The report says ADHD in adulthood can place a major burden on those affected, with difficulties affecting work and personal relationships.

It is estimated that around 2 million adults in Germany have ADHD. The number of first-time diagnoses in adults has tripled since 2015. Even so, the condition often remains unrecognised or insufficiently treated. Registry and health insurance data cited in the report show that only a fraction of diagnosed adults receive care that follows treatment guidelines.

Psychosocial treatments, especially CBT, are recommended in guidelines. However, these services remain scarce in many areas because of limited therapy availability, long waiting times, and a lack of specialised care.

Regulatory status in Germany

Following the positive trial results, attexis was permanently added to the DiGA directory by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices in August 2025. According to the report, it became the first digital ADHD therapy for adults to receive permanent listing.

This means doctors and psychotherapists in Germany can prescribe the therapeutic program, and its costs are covered by all statutory health insurance providers. The product is marketed in Germany by Medice.

Expert perspective

Dr. Gitta Jacob, a licensed psychotherapist and head of research and development at GAIA, said the publication of the randomized controlled trial marks an important step in ADHD research for the group. She said the findings provide robust clinical evidence that digital CBT-based interventions can offer adults with ADHD an effective and well-accepted treatment option. She also said the work helps address a gap in care for affected individuals.

For adults living with ADHD, these findings may matter because they point to an additional treatment option that can be used alongside usual care. The results suggest possible benefits not only for symptom control, but also for work, social functioning, self-esteem, and quality of life.

For patients exploring care options, the report also highlights the role of digital therapy where access to specialised ADHD treatment is limited. In settings with long waiting times or few therapy places, a self-guided program that fits into an existing treatment plan may be relevant when discussing follow-up care and treatment planning.

FAQs

What did the adult ADHD trial find about attexis?

The trial found that adults using attexis alongside treatment as usual had a significant and clinically relevant reduction in ADHD symptoms after three months compared with the control group.

How many adults were included in the study?

The randomized controlled trial included 337 adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD.

Did the study report benefits beyond ADHD symptom reduction?

Yes. The attexis group showed significant and clinically relevant improvements in work and social functioning, self-esteem, quality of life, and depressive symptoms.

What kind of therapy is attexis based on?

attexis is based on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques. It uses conversational therapeutic content, self-monitoring, and reminder functions.

Can attexis be prescribed in Germany?

Yes. The report states that attexis was permanently added to the DiGA directory in August 2025, which means doctors and psychotherapists can prescribe it and statutory health insurance covers the cost.

Medical Disclaimer

“This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.”