2 - (SYM 15) Overcoming Treatment Barriers for Adult ADHD in Japan: Usability of a Newly Developed CBT Smartphone Application

In Japan, the diagnosis of adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasing, yet access to evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adult ADHD remains limited due to a shortage of trained therapists. Furthermore, patients with adult ADHD often face unique treatment barriers stemming from their symptoms, such as high dropout rates, low adherence to homework, and difficulties in generalizing learned skills to daily life. To address these systemic and clinical challenges, the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry and emol Inc. have jointly developed a smartphone application (app) alpha version based on a unified CBT program specifically designed for adult ADHD.

This presentation describes the development process, the usability study procedure, and the preliminary results. The study involved adult ADHD outpatients who used the app for a 10-week period while attending weekly assessment interviews. The primary outcome measure was the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). Secondary outcomes included dropout rates, ADHD symptom severity (CAARS), quality of life (EQ-5D), homework compliance scale (HCS),and qualitative user feedback.

As of December 2025, 16 participants have been enrolled. There have been zero dropouts to date, indicating a high level of acceptability and engagement compared to traditional face-to-face therapy. In this presentation, we will report on the specific app features and the user interface elements identified as "user-friendly for individuals with adult ADHD" based on patient usability questionnaires, and illustrate how these insights were effectively integrated into the development process of the app beta version.

These preliminary findings suggest that the app is a feasible and sustainable intervention well-suited to the needs of adults with ADHD. The presentation will conclude with our future roadmap, which includes the development of the app beta version and the launch of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to verify efficacy, with the ultimate goal of obtaining regulatory approval as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD).