ADHD

Anxiety, Goal Management Training and ADHD

IntroductionDespite the high prevalence and detrimental consequences of cognitive and executive dysfunction in ADHD, the evidence base of cognitive remediation in the adult ADHD population is sparse. Executive problems can increase both anxiety and depression in ADHD. Thcus, it is important to develop treatment options for adults with ADHD, aiming to improve goal-directed behavior and mood. Goal Management Training (GMT) is an intervention that has received empirical support in improving executive functions and mood in normal aging and for various neurological and psychiatric conditions. The present randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a goal-focused intervention combining 1) group-based GMT incorporating psychoeducation about ADHD and 2) guidance in implementing individual goals for coping with executive problems in everyday life, compared to treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome was perceived executive functioning in everyday life. Secondary outcomes included psychological well-being (anxiety, depression, and coping with ADHD symptoms).MethodsWe recruited 81 adult participants with a verified ADHD diagnosis (Mage   = 31 years). Inclusion was based upon the presence of executive functioning complaints. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or TAU. The intervention group (n = 41) received 16 hours of GMT and psychoeducation, in addition to 4 individual sessions focusing on formulating goals. The goals were assessed in 6 bi-weekly phone calls in the first three months following the group sessions. Participants in the TAU group (n = 40) received standard, individually-adapted follow-up in an outpatient psychiatric health care setting. All participants were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 8-month follow-up (main measurement time point).ResultsSignificant improvements in everyday executive functioning, psychological wellbeing, and symptoms of ADHD from baseline to 8-month follow-up were reported in both groups. The intervention group reported a significantly higher reduction in symptoms of anxiety compared to TAU. Conclusions. Our findings provide support for considering cognitive remediation as a treatment option for patients with ADHD.Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04638283?term=NCT04638283&rank=1, identifier: NCT04638283.

Anxiety, Goal Management Training and ADHD Read More »

anxiety panic attack fear treatment help OCD phobia psychotherapy psychiatry Dr Jonathan Haverkampf

An Overview of Substance Use, Mood, and Anxiety Disorders in ADHD and Non-ADHD Adults

Publication date: Available online 5 May 2023Source: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral ReviewsAuthor(s): Catharina A. Hartman, Qi Chen, Berit Skretting Solberg, Ebba Du Rietz, Kari Klungsøyr, Samuele Cortese, Søren Dalsgaard, Jan Haavik, Marta Ribasés, Jeanette C. Mostert, Berit Libutzki, Sarah Kittel-Schneider, Bru Cormand, Melissa Vos, Henrik Larsson, Andreas Reif, Stephen V. Faraone, Alessio Bellato

An Overview of Substance Use, Mood, and Anxiety Disorders in ADHD and Non-ADHD Adults Read More »

An ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood Comes with Challenges and Benefits

Source: APA Monitor When Terry Matlen, a clinical social worker, was in her 40s, she was diagnosed with ADHD. “My entire life, there was something off,” Matlen said. This included significant anxiety as well as academic and behavioral issues, all of which started at a young age. Although Matlen was initially quite skeptical of her

An ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood Comes with Challenges and Benefits Read More »

Help, I cannot concentrate! Do I have ADHD?

Many people feel they cannot concentrate to accomplish their day to day tasks, affecting their jobs and their personal life. Since ADHD has become a buzzword, many ask themselves if they might suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While this needs to be evaluated by a professional, I want to provide some points that one

Help, I cannot concentrate! Do I have ADHD? Read More »

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters play an important role in transmitting information between neurons across the synaptic cleft. Various regions and pathways in the brain use different patterns of neurotransmitters and different receptor subclasses, which helps to identify the role specific neurotransmitters play in various psychiatric conditions in neuroimaging studies and can also make medication more specific. Neurotransmitters are

Neurotransmitters Read More »

Methylphenidate (Ritalin(R)) in the Treatment of ADHD

Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) in the Treatment of ADHD Christian Jonathan Haverkampf, M.D. Methylphenidate, sold under the name Ritalin and other tradenames, is frequently used as a first-line medication in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Keywords: methylphenidate, Ritalin®, ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, medication, psychiatry Table of Contents Introduction. 3 Children. 3 Adults. 4 Efficacy

Methylphenidate (Ritalin(R)) in the Treatment of ADHD Read More »