Medical Advisor
Dr. Misuzu Nakashima
Clinical Psychologist / Adult ADHD Researcher
Dr. Misuzu Nakashima is a prominent clinical psychologist and researcher affiliated with the Department of Clinical Psychology at Kyushu University and the Clinical Research Division at the National Hospital Organization Hizen Psychiatric Center (Saga Prefecture). Specializing in the development and evaluation of cognitive behavioral therapy programs for adult ADHD, she contributes to MyndMap as a medical advisor, developing evidence-based app features.
Professional Profile
Specializing in ADHD and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dr. Misuzu Nakashima is a prominent Japanese clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She currently serves as a clinical psychologist and academic researcher at the Department of Clinical Psychology at Kyushu University and the Clinical Research Division at the National Hospital Organization Hizen Psychiatric Center (Saga Prefecture).
Dr. Nakashima's research focuses particularly on developing and evaluating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention programs for adult ADHD that take into account Japan's cultural and institutional context. In a country where standardized guidelines for adult ADHD treatment are lacking, her approach has made significant contributions to establishing practical and culturally appropriate CBT programs.
In 2022, she conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial with colleagues showing that group CBT focusing on time management significantly reduced ADHD symptoms in adults. Additionally, in 2024, she co-authored a protocol for a multi-center study evaluating the feasibility of a new individualized CBT program for Japanese adult ADHD patients.
On the theoretical side, her 2024 paper in "General Hospital Psychiatry" introduced the executive dysfunction hypothesis and triple pathway model in adult ADHD. She emphasized the importance of psychoeducation and CBT in managing ADHD symptoms while discussing challenges of long-term effectiveness and high dropout rates in app-based interventions.
Furthermore, with funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), she leads a project aimed at establishing a therapist education and training system specifically for group CBT for adult ADHD. This initiative seeks to standardize and improve the quality of CBT delivery for this specific population in Japan.
Research Focus
Scientific Approaches to ADHD Support
Efficacy of Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy Targeting Time Management for Adults with ADHD in Japan
Authors: Misuzu Nakashima, Naoko Inada, Yoshie Tanigawa, et al.
Journal: Journal of Attention Disorders, 2021
This randomized controlled pilot trial evaluated a novel group cognitive behavioral therapy (gCBT) program that focuses specifically on time management for adults with ADHD in Japan. A total of 48 participants were randomly assigned to either the gCBT group or a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. The intervention consisted of 8 sessions designed primarily to enhance time management skills. Results showed significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and functional impairments in the gCBT group compared to the TAU group, with sustained improvements over 8 months.
View Research Paper →Feasibility Study of Individual CBT Program for Adult ADHD
Authors: Nakashima M, Tanaka K, Okada T, et al.
Journal: JMIR Research Protocols, 2024
A multi-center study evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an individualized cognitive behavioral therapy program specially developed for Japanese adult ADHD patients. Aims to address the lack of unified CBT programs in Japan.
View Research Paper →Therapist Education and Training System for Group CBT for Adult ADHD
Principal Investigator: Dr. Misuzu Nakashima
A project aimed at establishing a therapist education and training system specifically for group CBT for adult ADHD. The goal is to standardize and improve the quality of CBT delivery for this population in Japan.
ADHD Theoretical Models and Intervention Approaches
Author: Misuzu Nakashima
Journal: General Hospital Psychiatry, 2024
Research published in "General Hospital Psychiatry" introducing the executive dysfunction hypothesis and triple pathway model in adult ADHD. Discusses the importance of psychoeducation and CBT in managing ADHD symptoms, and challenges in app-based interventions.
Contribution to MyndMap
Developing Evidence-Based ADHD Support Tools
Feature Design Considering Japanese Cultural Context
Supervises feature design that incorporates principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and Japanese cultural context. Contributes to the development of executive function support features adapted to the real-life needs of Japanese adults with ADHD.
Evidence-Based Feature Evaluation
Provides expert perspective on incorporating ADHD intervention elements proven effective in research, such as time management and organizational skills, into app features. Suggests improvements based on scientific evidence.
Executive Function Theory-Based Advice
Provides specialized insights based on ADHD executive dysfunction hypothesis and triple pathway model. Supports feature design to promote continuous use and maintain long-term effectiveness.
Content Supervision
Reviews educational content and guidance within the app from a medical and psychological perspective. Provides advice to ensure accurate and practical ADHD-related information.
Key Research Papers
Academic Contributions on ADHD and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Multi-Center Single-Arm Open Feasibility Study of a Novel Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Japanese Adult ADHD Patients: Study Protocol
JMIR Research Protocols, 2024
This study presents a protocol for evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an individualized cognitive behavioral therapy program specially developed for Japanese adult ADHD patients. The program consists of 12 sessions designed with consideration for Japan's medical system and cultural background, focusing on improving executive function and enhancing daily life skills. It aims to address the lack of unified CBT programs for adult ADHD treatment in Japan.
Paper Details →Improvement of Adult ADHD Symptoms with Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Focusing on Time Management: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Journal of Attention Disorders, 2022
This study examines the effects of group cognitive behavioral therapy specializing in time management skills on adult ADHD patients' symptoms. Results of the randomized controlled pilot trial showed significant reduction in core ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity) and improved time management skills and quality of life in the intervention group compared to the control group. The importance of time management in the Japanese cultural context and its intervention effect are emphasized.
Paper Details →Executive Dysfunction and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach in Adult ADHD
General Hospital Psychiatry, 2024
This paper introduces the executive dysfunction hypothesis and triple pathway model as the latest theoretical frameworks for understanding and treating adult ADHD. It emphasizes the importance of psychoeducation and CBT in managing ADHD symptoms, while also discussing the current state and challenges of digital interventions, including the issues of long-term effectiveness and high dropout rates in app-based interventions. The position and future prospects of these interventions in the Japanese medical system are also discussed.
Paper Details →By combining technology with evidence-based psychotherapy, we have the potential to transform the daily lives of people with ADHD. I believe MyndMap serves as that bridge, providing scientifically-based intervention methods in an accessible format, contributing to improving the quality of life for more people.
Evidence-Based ADHD Support
MyndMap incorporates insights from experts including Dr. Misuzu Nakashima to provide innovative tools that support the daily lives of people with ADHD.
Medical AdvisorsJoin Our Community
Connect with fellow users and share ADHD support
Join our user community to share helpful tips and ADHD support.