About the Project

The study aims to generate insights into effective workplace mental health support for Canadians with ADHD and provide evidence-based strategies that can be applied across various work environments, potentially benefiting the 4% of Canadian adults living with ADHD. The study evaluated an 8-week group intervention designed to support Canadian adults with ADHD in the workplace by addressing challenges like time management, focus, and communication. The project analyzed data from the group intervention to assess its impact on workplace challenges and quality of life for people living with ADHD. The goal was to improve work-related outcomes, such as motivation and overall quality of work life for individuals with ADHD.

Methodology

This study included Canadian working adults with ADHD, who were recruited through clinical networks, ADHD organizations, and social media. A multi-dimensional assessment approach was used to evaluate the impact of the intervention. A structured 8-week remote program, part of a larger project, was delivered via Zoom and facilitated by the research team. Each weekly one-hour session focused on workplace-specific ADHD challenges.

Participants completed questionnaires that measured effects on job-related outcomes (including motivation, accommodation, problem-solving, attention, hyperactivity, memory, impulsivity, communication, and medication management) at the three stages:

• Before the start of the intervention,

• After each weekly session, and

• At the end of  the intervention

The study followed a randomized controlled trial design, using a set guide created by the research team for the group sessions.

The collected data evaluated each session’s effectiveness and the overall program's impact on improving work life for adults with ADHD. Participants were remunerated for their time at each step to encourage participant engagement.

Findings

• After reviewing the first group of participants, a mid-point evaluation of the intervention was conducted to ensure participant safety and monitor for any negative effects potentially caused by the intervention. This assessment also helped determine whether any adjustments were needed before proceeding.

• Anticipated findings involve improvement of both quality of work life and job-related outcomes that directly Impact Canadians’ mental health.

• Additional anticipated outcomes:

• Improved workplace accommodation implementation.

• Enhanced attention and task management strategies.

• Strengthened professional communication skills.

• Better medication management in the workplace context.

Project Outreach

Intervention materials and findings are currently being translated into English and French, making them accessible across all Canadian provinces and territories, allowing Canadian adults with ADHD to benefit from the program.

Resources Created

• Findings to be disseminated for researcher’s master’s Thesis

• Manuscript prepared for publication.

• A short video was created to help employers learn about inclusive management strategies. It will be shared with the public once the research project is finished.

• Future presentation of preliminary findings from the Minds@Work-ADHD study at the 10th World Congress on ADHD in Prague.

• Presentation of findings and recipient of award for best presentation at the Colloque de la Communauté de pratiques internationale santé mentale et travail in Montreal, QC.

• Presentation at the 7th Annual Integrative Psychiatry Conference: Engaging Patients and Stakeholders via Inclusive Research in Montreal, QC.

• Project featured in the Douglas Research Centre Trainee Spotlight: https://douglas.research.mcgill.ca/chloe-voyer/