Current status of cognitive-behavioral therapy as a psychosocial treatment for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

A convergence of research has established that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a valid clinical syndrome affecting individuals of all ages. ADHD is associated with significant impairment in many important life domains that often requires clinical intervention. Although medications are a well-researched and effective first-line treatment option, many adult patients with ADHD continue to experience significant functional impairment despite the symptom improvement afforded by pharmacotherapy. Consequently, adjunctive psychosocial treatments often are indicated for adults with ADHD. The aim of this paper is to review the status of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as an effective psychosocial treatment (when combined with pharmacotherapy) for adult ADHD. This review includes a brief discussion of the CBT conceptualization of ADHD, a summary of clinical outcome studies of psychosocial treatments for adult ADHD, directions for future research, and a discussion of the various possible mechanisms of change involved in CBT for adult ADHD.