Rethinking Adult ADHD

While negative thinking does not cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), research shows that cognitive strategies play a key role in maintaining ADHD symptoms. In this book, J. Russell Ramsay provides a first-of-its-kind exploration of the common beliefs that underlie and reinforce ADHD in adults and offers a blueprint for helping clients overcome ADHD symptoms using cognitive behavior therapy.

Ramsay presents research on negative thoughts and beliefs in adults with ADHD, specifically the belief — or lack thereof — in one’s ability to persistently and consistently carry out the steps required to achieve one’s goals. This manifests in what Ramsay describes as self-distrust thoughts and self-mistrust beliefs, which lead to escape–avoidance coping patterns. To address these patterns, he targets emotional, behavioral, and relationship problems for work in therapy.

Clinical case illustrations show how traditional cognitive change tactics can be adapted to treatment of adult ADHD to foster cognitive approaches that help adults with ADHD turn their intentions into actions.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Introduction to Adult ADHD
2. Clinical Outcome Research for Adult ADHD
3. Cognitive Behavior Therapy Model of Adult ADHD
4. Cognitive Interventions Adapted to Adult ADHD
5. Cognitive Interventions in Action: Common Issues in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adult ADHD
6. Additional Clinical Issues in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adult ADHD
7. Case Examples

Appendix. Credible Sources of Information About Adult ADHD

References

Index

About the Author

J. Russell ("Russ") Ramsay, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and associate professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. In addition to continuing to work as a senior staff clinician at the Center for Cognitive Therapy, in 1999 he cofounded and still serves as the codirector of Penn Medicine’s Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment and Research Program.

Dr. Ramsay also has authored numerous professional articles and book chapters and has lectured internationally on various issues related to adult ADHD as well as the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.

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In this comprehensive guide on how to conduct cognitive behavior therapy with adults who have ADHD, Ramsay discusses the latest scientific results on ADHD and provides practical advice and pearls of wisdom on what to include and avoid in implementing this program.
—Russell A. Barkley, PhD
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Virginia Treatment Center for Children and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond

This is one of the more important books I have seen in almost 2 decades of researching and treating adults with ADHD. Ramsay pairs a fascinating exploration of the research with brilliant clinical insights into the thoughts of patients with ADHD to identify proper assessment and treatment. I plan to recommend this book for my graduate-level course on cognitive therapy.
—Bradley M. Rosenfield, PsyD, MS
Practicum Coordinator and Associate Professor, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Ramsay has parlayed his internationally recognized expertise in cognitive behavior treatment for adults with ADHD into a groundbreaking volume that will serve as a touchstone for both scientists and practitioners. His discovery of a key cognitive theme for adult ADHD opens new avenues for research and therapeutic intervention.
—Laura E. Knouse, PhD
Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA

Ramsay is one of the leading voices in the psychosocial treatment of ADHD in adulthood, and this book is in the vanguard of cognitive behavior therapy approaches for adults with ADHD. Grounded in theory and steeped in the empirical literature, this is a rich resource for any clinician endeavoring to help this client population.
—John T. Mitchell, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC