ADULT ADHD MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: EFFECTIVE TREATMENT AND SUPPORT
What Is ADHD and How Does It Impact Adult Life?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that significantly affects a person's ability to focus, manage impulsivity, and regulate activity levels. Adults with ADHD often struggle with organization, planning, and task completion, making daily life more challenging.
If you frequently experience difficulty concentrating, forget important things, or find it hard to complete projects, you may benefit from an ADHD management program — often referred to as "ADHD treatment" — to help you regain control of your life.
About the "ADHD Treatment" Program
Many people search for "ADHD treatment," but it’s important to understand that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that requires comprehensive management rather than a traditional cure.
The Adult ADHD Management Program at the in;re center is a short-term Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program with evidence-based effectiveness. It was developed by a team of psychologists and CBT therapists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School — Steven A. Safren, Susan E. Sprich, Carol A. Perlman, and Michael W. Otto — in 2005 and was revised and updated in 2017.
Proven Effectiveness in Reducing Symptoms
Several randomized controlled trials have shown that individuals who completed this program alongside medication had significantly better outcomes than those who relied on medication alone or received alternative interventions.
Specifically, a 2005 study found that participants who completed the program experienced a 50% reduction in ADHD symptoms, while those who did not participate showed only minimal improvements. A 2010 study confirmed that these positive effects persisted for 6 to 12 months after the program.
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Safren, S. A., Otto, M. W., Sprich, S., Winett, C. L., Wilens, T. E., & Biederman, J. (2005). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adults with continued symptoms. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43(7), 831–842 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2004.07.001
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Safren, S. A., Sprich, S., Mimiaga, M. J., Surman, C., Knouse, L., Groves, M., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy vs relaxation with educational support for medication-treated adults with ADHD and persistent symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 304(8), 875–880. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.1192
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Sprich, S. E., Safren, S. A., Finkelstein, D., Remmert, J. E., & Hammerness, P. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(11), 1218–1226. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12549
Formats for Working with ADHD in Adults
Group Therapy
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The group format consists of 11 sessions, each lasting 2 hours, held once a week over 2.5 months. Additionally, participants receive homework assignments to practice between sessions.
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Benefits: The group program provides a unique opportunity to connect with people who understand your challenges and relate to you effortlessly. It also allows for the exchange of practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms.
Individual Therapy
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The individual format covers 11 core topics (plus 2 optional ones). Each session lasts 50 minutes, held once a week, with homework assignments between meetings.
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Benefits: The program can be customized to your specific needs and priorities, allowing for a deeper focus on the aspects that impact your life the most. If needed, additional sessions can be dedicated to specific topics.
How the ADHD Management Program Works
Our therapeutic program, often searched for as "ADHD treatment," differs from traditional psychotherapy — it’s more like a skills training course. However, you will also receive ongoing support from a therapist throughout your journey toward change.
The program consists of three key modules:
1. Organization and Planning
This module focuses on overcoming disorganization—one of the primary challenges for adults with ADHD:
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Developing personalized organizational systems
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Mastering effective use of calendars and task lists
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Applying practical CBT techniques for problem-solving
2. Managing Distractions
This module is designed to improve concentration and reduce distractions:
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Training attention maintenance skills
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Learning techniques to delay distractions
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Implementing strategies to stay focused on priority tasks
3. Adaptive Thinking
This module helps develop balanced thinking, essential for effective ADHD management:
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Techniques for addressing overly negative or overly positive thoughts
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Cognitive restructuring
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Developing rational responses to automatic thoughts
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Methods for objectively assessing situations
Expected Outcomes of ADHD Management
Before each session, you will complete a short Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to track your progress. Throughout the program, we expect your symptoms to decrease, and after completing it, they should remain at an improved level — provided you continue applying the skills regularly.
If you experience difficulties implementing the strategies, we recommend 1–2 booster sessions with your therapist a few weeks after finishing the program.
Our Experience in Adult ADHD Management
The in;re center has been offering this program in an individual format since 2020 and in a group format since January 2023. Over this time, more than 200 people have completed the program. The results are reflected in graphs tracking changes in ADHD symptoms based on the ASRS scale.
Who Is This ADHD Management Program For?
This program is beneficial if you:
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Have been diagnosed with ADHD, feel lost about what to do next, and are looking for effective support methods (often searched for as "ADHD treatment," though it's about symptom management rather than a cure).
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Take medication but still find that symptoms significantly impact your life and need additional tools.
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Do not take medication, but ADHD symptoms interfere with your daily life and work, so you are seeking alternative support methods.
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Struggle with poor concentration, forgetfulness, procrastination, difficulty focusing, and abandoning tasks before completion.
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Feel overwhelmed, constantly behind on tasks, and as if you're failing at life.
Our program will help you develop personalized ADHD management strategies, improving your productivity and overall quality of life.
If you lack a supportive neurodiverse community, we highly recommend the group format. It provides validation and the invaluable experience of connecting with others who truly understand your challenges.