Psychotherapy in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: implications for treatment and research. 


Author: Philipsen A.

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany. alexandra.philipsen@uniklinik-freiburg.de 
Conference/Journal: Expert Rev Neurother. 
Date published: 2012 Oct
Other:
 Volume ID: 12   ,  Issue ID: 10   ,  Pages: 1217-25   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1586/ern.12.91   ,  Word Count: 133  
    

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for co-occurring psychiatric disorders and negative psychosocial consequences in adulthood. Previous trials of psychotherapeutic programs for adult ADHD were based on cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic approaches and showed significant effects. Targets of psychotherapeutic interventions include not only coping with the core symptoms and associated problems such as depression and anxiety, but also probable consequences such as low self-esteem. Improvements in ADHD symptomatology and associated symptoms have been reported after psychotherapeutic treatment. The support of other participants is strongly regarded as helpful by patients in group therapy. This manuscript provides an overview of psychotherapy approaches and results of studies evaluating programs developed to treat adults with ADHD. Finally, the specific requirements of psychotherapy for adult ADHD as well as further research questions will be discussed.

PMID: 23082738