Usability and feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral mobile app for ADHD in adults
Laura E. Knouse, Xiaodi Hu, George Sachs, Sebastian Isaacs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has growing evidence of efficacy for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. Mobile health apps are promising tools for delivering scalable CBT. In a 7-week open study of Inflow, a CBT-based mobile app, we assessed usability and feasibility to prepare for a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHOD: 240 adults recruited online completed baseline and usability assessments at 2 (n = 114), 4 (n = 97) and after 7 weeks (n = 95) of Inflow use. 93 participants self-reported ADHD symptoms and impairment at baseline and 7 weeks. RESULTS: Participants rated Inflow's usability favorably, used the app a median of 3.86 times per week, and a majority of those using the app for 7 weeks self-reported decreases in ADHD symptoms and impairment. CONCLUSION: Inflow demonstrated usability and feasibility among users. An RCT will determine whether Inflow is associated with improvement among more rigorously assessed users and beyond non-specific factors.