ADHD Symptoms, Maladaptive Schemas, and Dysfunctional Automatic Thoughts: Exploring Theorized Relationships in Emerging Adults
Christie T. Pickel, Brian T. WymbsObjective:
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 (
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.