Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
ADHD Symptoms, Maladaptive Schemas, and Dysfunctional Automatic Thoughts: Exploring Theorized Relationships in
Christie T Pickel1, Brian T Wymbs1
1Ohio University, Athens, USA.
Objective:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults emphasize the role of dysfunctional cognitions in reinforcing and exacerbating distress and impairment. However, research supporting theorized connections between ADHD symptoms, maladaptive schemas, negative automatic thoughts (NAT; e.g., "I'm stupid"; "It's pointless"), overly-positive avoidant thoughts (OPAT; e.g., "I have plenty of time-I'll do it later"), and impairment is limited.
Methods:
The current study sought to evaluate the cognitive behavioral framework for adult ADHD in a community sample of 141 emerging adults (M age = 19.84; 85.5% White; 72.1% female; 20% reported ADHD diagnosis), while controlling for relevant covariates (age, sex, and self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression). Hierarchical stepwise regressions were used to test theorized relationships between ADHD symptoms, maladaptive schemas, and dysfunctional automatic thoughts, and examine how each of these are related to impairment.
Results:
ADHD symptoms and two maladaptive schemas (Insufficient Self-Control and Dependence/Incompetence) jointly predicted OPAT: ADHD symptoms and Insufficient Self-Control were positively associated with OPAT, whereas Dependence/Incompetence was negatively associated. Two maladaptive schemas (Insufficient Self-Control and Failure to Achieve) were found to be positively associated with NAT. Finally, ADHD symptoms and NAT were positively related to impairment.
Conclusions:
Our results are consistent with the cognitive-behavioral framework for adult ADHD and underscore the importance of CBT clinicians addressing relevant dysfunctional thoughts (i.e., NAT) and underlying core beliefs (i.e., insufficient self-control) held by clients seeking care for ADHD-related impairment.
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Schemas
Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Emerging Adulthood

