Negative Thinking and Adult ADHD: Research and Treatment – with J. Russell Ramsay, Ph.D.

Cognitive behavioral therapy or “CBT” is considered the second evidence-supported treatment for adult ADHD, alongside of pharmacotherapy. Treatment with medications provides important symptom relief for a majority of ADHD adults. However, even with improved symptoms, many adults continue to struggle with impairments in various life roles. CBT targets these impairments and associated difficulties related to procrastination, disorganization, poor time management, and various other problems that are characteristic of adult ADHD. In fact, skills-based behavior change has been noted as the main contributor to the positive treatment outcomes reported in clinical research on CBT for adult ADHD, with some observers noting that cognitive interventions are only necessary in cases of depression or anxiety. However, emerging research indicates that cognitive distortions play a distinct and important role in adult ADHD and, in turn, cognitive interventions are similarly important to optimize treatment response and functional outcomes.

This webinar will include a review of this new research on cognitive distortions, how it supports the CBT conceptualization of adult ADHD, and how it informs treatment and efforts to change.