Description and Demonstration of CBT for ADHD in Adults

Abstract

ADHD in adulthood is a valid, prevalent, distressing, and interfering condition. Although medications help treat this disorder, there are often residual symptoms after medication treatment, and, for some patients, they are contraindicated. Compared to other disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders, there are few resources available for clinicians wishing to conduct cognitive-behavioral treatment for this problem. The present manuscript provides a description of our cognitive-behavioral approach to treat ADHD in adulthood, which we have developed and tested in our clinic (Safren, Otto, et al., 2005), and for which detailed therapist and client guides exist (Safren, Perlman, Sprich, & Otto, 2005; Safren, Sprich, Perlman, & Otto, 2005). To augment the description of treatment, the present article provides video component demonstrations of several core modules that highlight important aspects of this treatment. This description and the accompanying demonstrations are intended as a practical guide to assist therapists wishing to conduct such a treatment in the outpatient setting.

Figures

Video 1

Setting up the calendar system.

Video 2

Setting up the task list.

Video 3

Problem solving: Articulating the problem.

Video 4

Problem solving: Generating a list of potential problems.

Video 5

Problem solving: Generating pros and cons and rating the solutions.

Video 6

Using the “distractibility delay”.

Video 7

Modifying the environment to reduce distractions.

Video 8

Identifying overly optimistic thinking.