Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adult ADHD

Status: Strong Research Support

Description

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adult ADHD provides concrete strategies and skills for coping with the core symptoms of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) and associated impairment in social, occupational, educational, and other domains. Components of CBT for ADHD include psychoeducation, training in organization, planning, and time management, problem solving skills, techniques for reducing distractivity and increasing attention span, and cognitive restructuring particularly around situations that cause distress.

Key References (in alphabetical order by author)

• Emilsson, B., Gudjonsson, G., Sigurdsson, J. F., Baldursson, G., Einarsson, E., Olafsdottir, H., & Young, S. (2011). Cognitive behaviour therapy in medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry, 11, 116. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-116
• Safren, S. A., Otto, M. W., Sprich, S., Winett, C. L., Wilens, T. E., & Biederman, J. (2005). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adults with continued symptoms. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43(7), 831–842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2004.07.001
• Safren, S. A., Sprich, S., Mimiaga, M. J., Surman, C., Knouse, L., Groves, M., & Otto M. W. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy vs relaxation with educational support for medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 304(8), 875–880. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.1192
• Solanto, M. V., Marks, D. J., Wasserstein, J., Mitchell, K., Abikoff, H., Alvir, J. M. J., & Kofman, M. D. (2010). Efficacy of meta-cognitive therapy (MCT) for adult ADHD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(8), 958–968. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09081123

Clinical Resources

• Safren, S. A., Sprich, S., Perlman, C. A., & Otto, M. W. (2017). Mastering your adult ADHD: A cognitive-behavioral treatment program, therapist guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med:psych/9780190235581.001.0001
• Safren, S. A., Sprich, S., Perlman, C. A., & Otto, M. W. (2017). Mastering your adult ADHD: A cognitive-behavioral treatment program, client workbook (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med:psych/9780190235567.001.0001
• Solanto, M. V. (2013). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: Targeting executive dysfunction. Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-for-Adult-ADHD/Mary-Solanto/9781462509638

Training Opportunities

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