A new scientific study suggests that a digital therapy program delivered through a smartphone or computer may help adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD.
The research, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, found that adults who used the digital program experienced meaningful improvements in their symptoms and daily functioning.
ADHD is often thought of as a childhood condition, but many people continue to experience it in adulthood. Adults with ADHD may struggle with attention, organization, planning, and impulse control.
These challenges can affect work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. Many adults also experience related problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression.
Although treatments such as medication and therapy can help, access to care is not always easy.
In many countries, including Germany and across Europe, there are long waiting lists for psychotherapy and not enough specialists trained to treat adult ADHD. Because of these barriers, researchers have been exploring whether digital therapy could help fill this treatment gap.
In the new study, scientists tested a digital therapy program called “attexis.” The program is designed specifically for adults with ADHD and is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, often called CBT.
CBT is a widely used psychological treatment that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. It teaches practical skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
The research team included scientists from several major medical institutions in Germany. The project was led by researchers from GAIA in Hamburg and involved collaborators from Saarland University Medical Center, University Medical Center Mainz, University Hospital Bonn, the University of Lübeck, and Kiel University.
To evaluate how well the program worked, the researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial. This type of study is considered one of the most reliable ways to test medical treatments. In a randomized controlled trial, participants are divided into groups so researchers can compare the effects of the treatment.
The study involved 337 adults aged 18 and older who had already been diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were divided into two groups. One group used the attexis program in addition to their usual treatment, which could include medication or other care. The other group continued with their usual treatment without the digital therapy.
After three months, the researchers compared the results between the two groups. They found that people who used the attexis program showed a clear and meaningful reduction in ADHD symptoms compared with those who did not use the program.
The benefits were not limited to symptom improvement. Participants who used the digital therapy also showed improvements in several areas of daily life. They reported better performance at work and in social situations.
Their self-esteem improved, and many participants reported a better overall quality of life. The study also found that symptoms of depression decreased among users of the program.
One especially interesting result was that the improvements seen with the digital therapy were similar in size to those typically reported for traditional face-to-face psychotherapy for ADHD. This suggests that digital therapy could potentially provide a comparable level of benefit for some patients.
Dr. Gitta Jacob, a licensed psychotherapist and head of research and development at GAIA, said the publication of the study represents an important milestone for ADHD treatment research. She explained that the results provide strong evidence that digital cognitive behavioral therapy programs can be both effective and well accepted by adults with ADHD.
The attexis program is designed to be easy to use and flexible. The therapy provides information and coping strategies through conversational lessons that guide users through different situations. It also includes tools that allow users to track their symptoms and behavior. Reminder functions help users practice new skills regularly.
Because the program is self-guided, it can easily be combined with other treatments such as medication or traditional therapy. This makes it easier for patients to integrate the digital program into their existing care plans.
The need for new treatment options is growing. Experts estimate that around two million adults in Germany are living with ADHD. In recent years, awareness of adult ADHD has increased, and the number of first-time diagnoses has risen sharply. Since 2015, diagnoses in adults have reportedly tripled.
Despite this growing recognition, many adults still struggle to receive appropriate care. Health records and insurance data suggest that only a small portion of adults diagnosed with ADHD receive treatment that fully follows clinical guidelines. One major reason is that psychotherapy services are often difficult to access due to limited therapy spots and long waiting times.
Clinical guidelines recommend psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy as an important part of ADHD management. However, these services are not always available to everyone who needs them. Digital therapies may therefore offer a practical way to expand access to treatment.
Based on the positive results from this study, the digital therapy attexis was added to Germany’s official DiGA directory in August 2025. The DiGA directory is maintained by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, known as BfArM. It lists approved digital health applications that doctors and therapists can prescribe to patients.
Because attexis is now permanently listed in the directory, doctors and psychotherapists in Germany can prescribe it as part of treatment for adult ADHD. The cost of the program is covered by statutory health insurance providers, making it accessible to a wide range of patients. The therapy is marketed in Germany by the company Medice.
The results of this study highlight how digital health tools may help address gaps in mental health care. By offering structured therapy that can be accessed from home, digital programs may provide support to patients who might otherwise face long waits for treatment.
At the same time, researchers note that digital therapy is not intended to completely replace traditional care. Instead, it may work best as part of a broader treatment approach that includes medical care, psychological support, and lifestyle changes.
Overall, the findings from the study published in Psychological Medicine suggest that digital therapies like attexis could play an important role in the future of ADHD treatment. By combining modern technology with evidence-based psychological techniques, researchers hope to make effective care more accessible for millions of adults living with ADHD.
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