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Journal of Attention Disorders, Vol. 10, No. 2, 150-159 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1087054706288110

A Combined Treatment Approach for Adults With ADHD—Results of an Open Study of 43 Patients

Anthony L. Rostain

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, rostain{at}mail.med.upenn.edu

J. Russell Ramsay

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Objective: Increasing numbers of adults are seeking treatment for ADHD. Pharmacotherapy is well established as the first line treatment for adult ADHD, although medications alone may be insufficient treatment for the myriad problems experienced by these patients. Few studies have examined the clinical outcomes of a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for this clinical population. The purpose of the present study is to examine the potential effectiveness of the combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavior therapy modified to treat adult patients diagnosed with ADHD.

Method: Forty-three adults who underwent a structured diagnostic assessment for ADHD complete 6 months of combined treatment. Treatment outcome is assessed by comparing pre- and posttreatment measures of ADHD symptoms, comorbid symptoms, and ratings of overall functioning.

Results/Conclusion: Results indicate that combined treatment is associated with significant improvements on all clinical measures. Limitations of the study design and directions for future research are discussed.

Key Words: Adult ADHD treatment • cognitive behavioral therapy • combined treatment • ADHD treatment outcomes

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