Psychotherapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults often requires a multimodal treatment as pharmacotherapy alone usually is not sufficient in the treatment of ADHD and the associated psychosocial problems. Various studies have shown that adult ADHD is accompanied by several impairments in social functioning, such as work and relationships as well as high comorbidity for example in affective disorders and substance abuse. The guidelines ADHD in adults published by an expert committee with the support of the German Society of Psychiatry Psychotherapy and Nervous Disorder (DGPPN) recommend a multimodal approach taking into consideration both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy according to the severity of the symptoms and impairments. A further indication for psychotherapy is usually necessary with those patients who do not respond to pharmacological treatment alone. So far the presented survey gives an overview of those studies published concerning psychotherapy for adults with ADHD, It will be discussed overviews, controlled and uncontrolled studies. In general the conclusion can be drawn from the above presented literature that psychotherapy offers a relevant additional treatment option for dealing with ADHD in adults and can contribute to an improvement in ADHD symptoms.