While negative thinking does not cause ADHD, research shows that cognitive strategies play a key role in maintaining ADHD symptoms. In Rethinking Adult ADHD: Helping Clients Turn Intentions Into Actions, Dr. 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 to help clients overcome ADHD symptoms using cognitive behavior therapy. The book explores 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 Dr. Ramsay describes as "self-distrust thoughts" and "self-mistrust beliefs," and which leads to escape-avoidance coping patterns. To address these problems, 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 the implementation of coping strategies and essential skills. These cognitive approaches serve as an essential ligament in treatment, designed to help adults with ADHD more consistently turn their intentions into actions.
Industry Reviews
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
