We introduce the basics of adult ADHD and how it can be treated effectively with an online program based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
2. A BRIEF INTRO TO
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, also known as ADD or
ADHD, is a debilitating condition
that affects millions of people. It can
be treated, yet, it is often not
diagnosed, especially among adults.
If you recognize any of the
symptoms mentioned here, or a
screening test indicate that you may
have ADHD, there are convenient
self-help programs available to try,
or visit a professional for assistance.
Click image to watch video, or watch online.
4. HOW MANY PEOPLE SUFFER FROM ADHD?
ADHD is a world-wide phenomenon and is not culturally dependent.
Combined studies estimate that around 6% of those under 17 has ADHD.
About 3.4% of adults have ADHD.
In more than half of children with ADHD, it persists into adulthood.
More males appear to have ADHD.
ADHD often co-occurs with oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder,
anxiety disorder, personality disorders and depression.
Reference: ADHD Institute
5. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ADULT ADHD?
Trouble getting organized
Reckless driving and traffic
accidents
Marital trouble
Extremely distractible
Poor listening skills
Restlessness and difficulty relaxing
Trouble starting a task
Often being late
Anger outbursts
Problems prioritizing issues
Reference: WebMD
Do a self test here.
7. BENEFITS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL TREATMENT
Psychosocial treatment has proven effective for adult ADHD, with or without
medication.
Methods include psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavior Therapy & coaching of
executive skills.
Improvements include:
self-confidence
family/relationship quality
interpersonal skills
risk of substance use
cognitive ability
professional functioning.
8. BENEFITS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL TREATMENT (CONT.)
CBT results in significant reduction of depression and anxiety in adults with
ADHD.
CBT is an equally effective treatment for adult ADHD independent of
medication.
CBT has also reduced disruptions in social life, leisure activities, work
performance and home responsibilities.
Combined statistics of 8 studies showed that CBT was effective to improve
quality of life and maintain gains after completing the program.
References: The European Network Adult ADHD, Aalborg University,
University of British Colombia, & the University of Nottingham.
10. WHAT BENEFITS DO E-THERAPY OFFER?
In this case, e-therapy refers to psychological help provided via the Internet.
Worldwide access to the Internet has skyrocketed, while personal access to
mental health services remain problematic.
Internet mental health services are much more cost-effective than traditional
face-to-face therapy.
The user can progress at their own pace and in the convenience of their
home.
Psychoeducation (knowledge about a mental issue), CBT, and practical
exercises can be uniquely combined to add maximum value.
12. THE OPEN FOREST
PROGRAM CONSISTS
OF 9 SESSIONS TAKEN
A WEEK OR MORE
APART.
Sessions7-9
Sessions4-6
Sessions1-3
Introduce
concepts
and
schedule.
Set goals.
Identify
problem
behaviors.
Identify
problem
thoughts,
feelings.
Explore
automatic
negative
thoughts.
Challenge
those
thoughts.
Set
activity
plan.
Reinforce
progress.
Evaluate
goals.
Identify
gaps to
improve.
Celebrate
success!
The OpenForest.net self-help program
for ADHD is based on the concepts of
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT.
CBT is the most widely used and best
proven system to eliminate or reduce
ADHD symptoms and its effects.
13. MAJOR PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF THE PROGRAM
CBT recognizes that automatic thoughts and feelings influence behavior.
By identifying and challenging automatic negative thoughts, feelings, and
behavior improve.
A better understanding of a mental health condition stimulates improvement.
Positive habits, such as regular pleasant activities reinforce positive thoughts
and feelings.
By repeating constructive actions, our brains change accordingly (called brain
plasticity).
Reducing or managing ADHD symptoms can be learned and practiced with
these techniques.
14. WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Find out if you suffer from ADHD in a quick test.
Read more about the Open Forest adult ADHD
program.
6 Great ADHD blogs to follow.
ADHD explained on YouTube.
Follow Open Forest on Twitter and Facebook for more
updates and news.
Visit a daily blog with mental health tips, advice, and
more.