Mastering Your Adult ADHD A Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Program Client Workbook Steven A. Safren 2024 Scribd Download
Mastering Your Adult ADHD A Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Program Client Workbook Steven A. Safren 2024 Scribd Download
Mastering Your Adult ADHD A Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Program Client Workbook Steven A. Safren 2024 Scribd Download
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Mastering Your Adult ADHD A Cognitive Behavioral
Treatment Program Client Workbook Steven A. Safren
Digital Instant Download
Author(s): Steven A. Safren, Susan Sprich, Carol A. Perlman, Michael W. Otto
ISBN(s): 9780195188196, 0195188195
Edition: Workbook
File Details: PDF, 1.10 MB
Year: 2005
Language: english
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Mastering Your Adult ADHD
2005
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About Treatments That Work™
One of the most difficult problems to confront patients with various disorders and diseases is how to find the best help available. Everyone is aware of
friends or family who have sought treatment from a seemingly reputable practitioner, only to find out later from another doctor that the original diagnosis was
wrong or the treatments recommended were inappropriate or perhaps even harmful. Most patients, or family members, address this problem by reading
everything they can about their symptoms, seeking out information on the Internet, or aggressively “asking around” to tap knowledge from friends and
acquaintances. Governments and health care policymakers are also aware that people in need don’t always get the best treatments—something they refer to as
“variability in health care practices.”
Now health care systems around the world are attempting to correct this variability by introducing “evidence-based practice.” This simply means that
it is in everyone’s interest that patients get the most up-to-date and effective care for a particular problem. Health care policymakers have also recognized that
it is very useful to give consumers of health care as much information as possible so that they can make intelligent decisions in a collaborative effort to
improve health and mental health. This series, “Treatments That Work™,” is designed to accomplish just that. Only the latest and most effective interventions
for particular problems are described in user-friendly language. To be included in this series, each treatment program must pass the highest standards of
evidence available, as determined by a scientific advisory board. Thus, when individuals suffering from these problems or their family members seek out an
expert clinician who is familiar with these interventions and decides that they are appropriate, they will have confidence that they are receiving the best care
available. Of course, only your health care professional can decide on the right mix of treatments for you.
This particular program presents the first evidence-based effective psychological treatment for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). At present, it offers the best chance of experiencing some relief from this debilitating condition. In this program, you will learn skills that directly
attack the three clusters of symptoms that make living with adult ADHD so difficult. These symptoms include difficulty focusing attention and being easily
distracted, difficulties with organization and planning, and impulsivity. This program can be effectively combined with medications, or, for those 50 percent
of individuals who derive relatively little benefit from medications, this program may be sufficient. This program is most effectively applied by working in
collaboration with your clinician.
Reference
Biederman, J., Wilens, T. E., Spencer, T. J., Farone, S., Mick, E., Ablon, J. S., & Keily, K. (1996). Diagnosis and treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In M.
Pollack & M. Otto & J. Rosenbaum (Eds.), Challenges in clinical practice (pp. 380–407). New York: Guilford Press.
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Contents
Reducing Distractibility
Chapter 8: Gauging Your Attention Span and Distractibility Delay
Chapter 9: Modifying Your Environment
Adaptive Thinking
Chapter 10: Introduction to a Cognitive Model of ADHD
Chapter 11: Adaptive Thinking
Chapter 12: Rehearsal and Review of Adaptive Thinking Skills
Additional Skills
Chapter 13: Application to Procrastination
Chapter 14: Relapse Prevention
References
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Information About Adult ADHD and This Treatment Program
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Goals
■ To understand the characteristics of ADHD in adulthood
■ To learn why ADHD symptoms continue in adults even after treatment with medications
What Is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a valid, medical, psychiatric disorder. ADHD begins in childhood. However, many
children with ADHD go on to have significant symptoms as adults.
As shown, people with ADHD have three major types of symptoms, which typically relate to
1. Poor attention
2. High impulsivity (or disinhibition)
3. High activity (hyperactivity)
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The term “disinhibition” (lack of inhibition) is also sometimes used to describe the impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms. Many people with
ADHD have at least some symptoms of poor attention, some symptoms of hyperactivity, and some symptoms of impulsivity; many people have
symptoms that are predominately from one category.
The term “Attention Deficit Disorder,” or ADD, is also sometimes used when an individual has the attentional symptoms but not the
hyperactivity symptoms.
Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo have written a self-help book for those with adult ADHD called You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid, or
Crazy? This title underscores many of the common misperceptions that people with ADHD have about themselves.
ADHD is a neurobiological disorder, unrelated to intelligence, laziness, aptitude, craziness, or anything similar. This program, which
typically begins after stable medication treatment, can help control the symptoms of ADHD for adults. By actively learning skills and practicing
them regularly, you will see significant improvements.
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inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective
feelings of restlessness)
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not because of
oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”
Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require Often talks excessively
sustained mental effort
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli Often has difficulty awaiting turn
Is often forgetful in daily activities Often interrupts or intrudes on others
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How Do Cognitive and Behavioral Variables Exacerbate ADHD for Adults?
■ Cognitive components (thoughts and beliefs) can worsen ADHD symptoms. For example, a person who is facing something that feels
overwhelming might shift her attention elsewhere or think things like “I can’t do this,” “I don’t want to do this,” or “I will do this later.”
■ Behavioral components are the things people do that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The actual behaviors can include things like
avoiding doing what you should be doing or not keeping an organizational system.
The model on the following page shows how we believe ADHD affects the lives of adults.
According to this model, the core symptoms of ADHD are biologically based. However, we believe that cognitive and behavioral
variables also affect symptom levels.
Core neuropsychiatric impairments—starting in childhood—prevent effective coping. Adults with ADHD, by definition, have been
suffering from this disorder chronically since childhood. Specific symptoms such as distractibility, disorganization, difficulty following through
on tasks, and impulsivity can prevent people with ADHD from learning or using effective coping skills.
Lack of effective coping can lead to underachievement and failures. Because of this, patients with this disorder typically have
sustained underachievement, or things that they might label “failures.”
Underachievement and failures can lead to negative thoughts and beliefs. This history of failures can result in developing overly
negative beliefs about oneself, as well as a habit of engaging in negative, maladaptive thinking when approaching tasks. The negative thoughts
and beliefs that ensue can therefore add to avoidance or distractibility.
Negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to mood problems and can exacerbate avoidance. Therefore, people shift their attention even
more when confronted with tasks or problems, and related behavioral symptoms can also get worse.
The following model (originally published in Safren et al., 2004) shows how these factors interrelate:
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Don’t Medications Effectively Treat ADHD?
Yes.
Medications are currently the first-line treatment approach for adult ADHD, and they are the most extensively studied. The classes of
these medications are stimulants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (antidepressants), and atypical antidepressants.
However, a good number of individuals (approximately 20 to 50 percent) who take antidepressants are considered nonresponders. A
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nonresponder is an individual whose symptoms are not sufficiently reduced or who cannot tolerate the medications. Adults who are considered
responders typically show a reduction in only 50 percent or less of the core symptoms of ADHD.
Because of these data, recommendations for the best treatment of adult ADHD include using psychotherapy (cognitive-behavior therapy,
in particular) with medications. Medications can reduce many of the core symptoms of ADHD: attentional problems, high activity, and
impulsivity.
P a g e | 11
the finding that ADHD is a real, significant, distressing, interfering, and legitimate medical problem. This includes evidence that ADHD can be
reliably diagnosed in adults and that the diagnosis meets standards of diagnostic validity similar to those of other psychiatric diagnoses.
Accordingly, core symptoms in adulthood include impairments in attention, inhibition, and self-regulation. These core symptoms yield
associated impairments in adulthood such as poor school and work performance (e.g., poor organizational and planning skills; a tendency to
become bored easily; deficient sustained attention to reading and paperwork; procrastination; poor time management; impulsive decision
making); impaired interpersonal skills (problems with friendships; poor follow-through on commitments; poor listening skills; difficulty with
intimate relationships); and behavior problems (lower level of educational attainment than would be expected for level of ability; poor financial
management; trouble organizing one’s home; chaotic routine). There is further evidence for the validity of ADHD as a diagnosis from
medication treatment studies, genetic studies that include adoption and family studies, and neuroimaging and neurochemistry research.
Children with ADHD do grow up. Estimates of the prevalence of ADHD in adulthood range from 1 to 5 percent. This is consistent with
estimates that ADHD affects 2 to 9 percent of school-age children, and follow-up studies of children diagnosed with ADHD showing that
impairing ADHD symptoms persist into adulthood in 30 to 80 percent of diagnosed children.
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Chapter 2 Overview of the Program
Goals
■ To learn how this program was developed
This treatment program is meant to be completed with the assistance of a cognitive-behavioral therapist. The treatment was developed by
the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program. It was based on the clinical experience of the authors, input from
adults living with ADHD, and published works on treatment for adults with ADHD (e.g., Barkley, 1998; Hallowell, 1995; Mayes 1998;
McDermott, 2000; Nadeau, 1995). It is designed for patients who have been diagnosed with ADHD, have been on medications for ADHD, and
have found a stable medication regimen. The strategies may be useful for adults with ADHD who cannot take medications; however, we have
tested it only for individuals who were already taking medications.
P a g e | 14
decrease in symptoms, and those who did not had negligible changes.
You will be tempted to quit, but not at the beginning. At the beginning, things will be novel and new and therefore more interesting.
People typically do not quit at the beginning. The middle period can sometimes be the hardest. This is the time when the novelty wears off but
people have not practiced the skills long enough for them to become habits. Many people show some improvement at the beginning, enough
improvement that they start to think that they do not need to use the skills. In this case, people quit because the work is no longer new and
interesting and is not yet an easy habit; they then relapse back to having problems and then think, “I tried to change, and I could not do it.”
Hence, the cycle of negative emotions and continued ADHD symptoms continues.
■ Do not succumb to this temptation. ■
This may be the hardest part of the treatment program. The key to getting better is to stay on track, keep with the program long enough
for it to be easy, and practice.
The program will entail ups and downs; sometimes it will entail setbacks. When there is a “down,” this is definitely not a time to
quit; this is a time to learn from the things that led up to the setback, and to figure out how to handle them in the future. This is extremely
important.
■ Setbacks are a major part of progress. You need to have setbacks and learn to handle them in order to reduce the likelihood of future
setbacks! ■
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The final period is easier; however, it also entails challenges. Once things are going better, you will be faced with the challenge of
continuing to invest some time and energy to maintaining these systems and skills even though things are going better.
We have found that some people, once they are doing better, feel less motivated to keep using the coping skills. If things are bad, then
there is more motivation because people feel that they need to “get out of the hole.”
Managing Distractibility
The second part of treatment involves managing distractibility. Skills and strategies include the following:
■ Maximizing and building on one’s attentions span (breaking tasks into steps that correspond to the length of one's attention span, then
working to expand this strategy)
■ Using a timer, cues, and other techniques to help reduce the effects of distractibility
Application to Procrastination
An optional additional module exists for procrastination. We include this because most of the previous modules do relate to
procrastination, but some people require extra help in this area. This module therefore specifically points to how to use the skills already learned
to help with procrastination.
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The Program Will Entail Monitoring Your Progress
Before starting this program, your doctor will likely have done a diagnostic interview to establish whether or not you have ADHD. Part
of the treatment approach described in this workbook involves regularly monitoring your improvement. Because, unlike many medical illnesses,
we do not have a blood test for symptom severity, we need to use the next best thing, which is the ADHD Symptom Severity Scale, which is
included on page 23. You should complete this around the time of your first session. We recommend completing it each week thereafter so that
you can monitor your progress and so that you can target areas that may not be improving at the rate you would like.
The program will entail setting an agenda for each treatment session. In order to ensure that important material is covered, each
session corresponds to the material presented in this workbook.
One potential pitfall with modular treatment is that not everything can be covered at once. Although the treatment approach is
offered one module at a time, patients may have areas of difficulty that will not be addressed until future sessions.
This is another issue that is sometimes frustrating for people who do this program. The program typically starts with the development of
a calendar and task list system. This module also involves learning organization and planning skills. The next module targets distractibility.
People sometimes have problems with the first module because they get easily distracted, but distractibility is not covered until the next module.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to learn everything all at once, so we ask that you do your best, but realize that you will not have learned all the
necessary skills until the end of the treatment program.
The Program Will Entail Using Specific Strategies for Remembering to Take Medication
For some people with ADHD, taking medication every day, sometimes more than once a day, can be difficult. Symptoms of ADHD such
as distractibility or poor organization may interfere, causing you to forget to take all of your prescribed doses or to have difficulty developing a
structured routine for taking medication. This treatment will help you prioritize taking medication and will provide you with opportunities to
work with a therapist and problem-solve around difficulties taking medications. Each week you will discuss factors that have led you to miss
doses.
P a g e | 17
Chapter 3 Involvement of Your Family Member
Overview
This single chapter will assist you in working with a family member to better manage your ADHD symptoms. As has been discussed
earlier, this treatment program is best done with the aid of a therapist who is familiar with cognitive-behavioral therapy. We therefore
recommend that you and your partner meet with the therapist for one session to go over the material presented in the first two chapters and to
deal with any other information that may be pertinent.
Involving a family member in treatment will enable you to:
■ Gain support as you complete treatment
■ Decrease tension in your relationship related to ADHD symptoms
Goals
■ To provide education about ADHD
■ To discuss ways in which ADHD has affected your relationship with a family member
■ To provide an overview of the CBT model of the continuation of ADHD into adulthood
P a g e | 18
As you have been doing each week, you should complete the ADHD self-report symptom checklist. Be sure to review your score and
take note of symptoms that have improved and those that are still problematic.
Score: ______________
Date: ______________
P a g e | 19
What are the symptoms of ADHD that you think are most significant?
What are the three most important ways that these symptoms have affected the relationship?
1.
2.
3.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in your partner that bother you most?
What are the three most important ways that these symptoms have affected the relationship?
1.
2.
3.
P a g e | 20
Monitoring Progress
Each week we monitor progress by completion of the ADHD symptom rating scale. We find that this is helpful to identify areas that are
most problematic and areas that should be targeted for additional work.
We also sometimes ask the family member to complete a symptom rating scale as a secondary way to report on progress. If you are
willing, we would like to have the family member complete one, and we can compare ratings to see if problematic areas are similar.
This measure is included in this workbook. To obtain a total score, add all of the ratings. Use o for items rated “never or rarely,” 1 for
items rated “sometimes,” 2 for items rated “often,” and 3 for items rated “very often.”
P a g e | 21
Current Symptoms Self-Report Form Week of:
Instructions: Please check the response next to each item that best describes your behavior during the past week.
From R. A. Barkley & K. R. Murphy (1998), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A clinical workbook (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
P a g e | 22
Current Symptoms Family Member Report Form
Instructions: Please check the response next to each item that best describes your family members behavior during the past week.
Adapted from R. A. Barkley & K. R. Murphy (1998), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A clinical workbook (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
P a g e | 23
Organization and Planning
P a g e | 24
Chapter 4 The Foundation: Organization and Planning Skills
Goals
■ To understand the severity of your initial symptoms as a basis for tracking treatment progress
■ To learn about the modular approach to treatment, and the importance of practice, motivation, and staying with it
Score: ______________
Date: ______________
P a g e | 25
Review of Medication Adherence
As you have been doing each week, you should record your prescribed dosage of medication and indicate the number of doses you
missed. Review triggers for missed doses, such as distractibility, running out of medication, or thoughts about not wanting/needing to take
medication.
Prescribed doses per week: ____________________________________
Doses missed this week: ____________________________________
Triggers for missed doses: ____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
The following questions may be helpful with respect to coming up with goals regarding your treatment.
What made you decide to start this treatment now?
What types of things would you like to be different regarding how you approach tasks?
What are some issues that others have noticed about how you approach things?
If you did not have problems with ADHD,what do you think would be different?
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In the following table, write down your goals for cognitive-behavioral therapy. There are columns for controllability and whether the
goal is short or long term. For controllability, write down how much control you think you would have over this goal if the ADHD symptoms
were gone (o percent represents no control; 100 percent represents complete control). Also indicate whether this is a short-term or long-term
goal.
Goal List
We ask you to rate controllability (and this should be done with a therapist) so that you can gain a realistic appraisal of your goals for
CBT. For example, a goal might be to get a job. However, as we have noted, there are many factors involved in getting a job. Therefore, we
prefer to have a related goal that is more controllable—for example, to complete the tasks that are necessary to optimize the chances of getting a
job.
P a g e | 27
Re-review the goals and the controllability ratings. Ask yourself if there are specific areas that you can control about each situation and if
there are specific areas that are beyond your control.
Motivation Is Key
Because motivation is so important for this treatment, the following exercise is a way to help you figure out whether this program is for
you and to resolve any ambivalence about completing it.
This exercise is a good one to keep and review again as you continue in treatment. As discussed earlier, going through the program is
P a g e | 28
likely to involve some ups and some downs. You may or may not notice benefits right away, but as you move through the exercises, keep in
mind that you are developing new strategies that are aimed at both current and future patterns of behavior. As you do this exercise, be sure to
keep in mind the important long-term benefits.
Motivational Exercise: Pros and Cons of Changing
Therapy will ask you to try new things and, at times, to try strategies you have tried in the past. Also, homework will be assigned
following each session, and this homework is aimed at having you do things differently from your usual habit. The result of a new therapy like
this is that, at least for a while, you will need to leave your natural “comfort zone” and try things in a new way. As you prepare to try things in a
new way, it will be helpful for you to keep in mind the natural difficulties you will have with change, as well as the potential benefits. For
example, when you think about trying a new organizational system, you may think, “I hate the idea of getting a notebook. I have had one in the
past, and it didn’t work for me; I just ended up with page after page of lists that I did not complete.”
Accordingly, one of the “cons” of trying the notebook system is that you face old thoughts and old memories about how notebooks may
not work. On the other hand, it is quite possible that the way in which the notebook system is applied in this therapy at this time may have
benefit. So a “pro” about trying the notebook system again is that it may have some important features that might lead to success at the present
time.
As you go through the rest of the chapter, notice ways in which you may be reluctant to try the new system. Then come back to the
following page and list some of the pros and cons that trying new behaviors may bring. Space is provided for considering two new strategies.
PRO CON
Short-term consequences
Long-term consequences
PRO CON
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Short-term consequences
Long-term consequences
P a g e | 30
■ If you enter the date when the tasks are completed, you will have a record of your work, in case anyone asks you about it in the future.
6. If you have difficulty with computers, do not try to use a computerized system.
■ Many individuals feel that they want to start using a computerized or PDA system. This works wonderfully for individuals who are
already proficient with computers. If this is not you, this is not the time to start.
■ If you are not proficient with computers, you can always try to become proficient at the end of this treatment. We recommend that this
be a separate goal from this program, however. Either learn to use a computer before starting the program or do so afterward.
Potential Pitfalls
It is important to remember that learning any new skill takes practice, and takes time. You may not be used to writing down appointments
or carrying around a calendar or notebook. Be aware of thoughts that may sabotage your success down the road:
“I don’t have room in my bag for a calendar. ”
“It’s a hassle to have to bring a notebook everywhere with me. ”
“I’ve never been an organized person, so why start now?”
“ If I write down my appointments and assignments, I will
then be responsible for them. ”
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You will be learning ways to manage these interfering thoughts in later chapters. For now, try to keep focused on your reasons for
beginning this program, the goals you hope to achieve, and the accomplishment you will feel for taking positive steps in your life.
Homework
Begin using a calendar and notebook system following the rules given in this chapter.
Bring in the calendar and task list to the next treatment session.
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Chapter 5 Organization of Multiple Tasks
The main focus of this session is to teach you how to manage multiple tasks. It is important for you to remember that practice makes
perfect.
Although these techniques may seem unfamiliar at first, over time they will become more automatic. Even if you feel frustrated, it is
important for you to stick with the techniques until they become habits.
Goals
■ To continue to monitor your progress
P a g e | 33
As you have been doing each week, you should record your prescribed dosage of medication and indicate the number of doses you
missed. Review triggers for missed doses, such as distractibility, running out of medication, or thoughts about not wanting/needing to take
medication.
Prescribed doses per week: ____________________________________
Doses missed this week: ____________________________________
Triggers for missed doses: ____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Homework Review
Remember, having a good calendar and task list system is necessary (but not sufficient) for getting organized.
If you have not yet purchased a notebook or calendar book, find a way to get one immediately.
Remember, problem-solving skills are covered in future sessions. However, before actually getting to those sessions, try to figure out
how to problem-solve getting a calendar and notebook. If necessary and possible, purchase one right now. In order for this approach to be
successful, it is imperative that you have the proper tools!
If you have obtained a calendar book and notebook system, review specifics:
■ Where you will keep the book?
■ How will you remember to use it every day?
■ How will you remember to look at your task list every day? (We find that picking a time every day is the best—for example, when
you feed your dog, after you brush your teeth, while you are having your morning coffee or breakfast.)
Remember, just because you have a to-do list, it doesn’t mean that you have to complete all of the items on the list immediately! It is
simply a tool that is going to help you become organized and avoid forgetting things that you have not written down.
■ The calendar and task lists are building blocks for the rest of the treatment program. Make sure to plan a strategy to look at them
P a g e | 34
EVERY DAY! ■
In the task list and the calendar, you may have noticed that we often need to manage multiple tasks at one time. When you have ADHD,
it can become difficult to decide which task is most important. Even when you have decided that a particular task is important, it is often difficult
to stick with it until it is completed.
In the following exercise, you will learn a concrete strategy to help you decide which tasks are most important. This technique is one
example of how you can force yourself to organize tasks even though it is difficult for people with ADHD to process this type of information.
Skill: Prioritizing
When you are faced with a number of tasks that you must do, it is important to have a clear strategy for prioritizing which tasks are most
important so that you make sure that you complete the most important tasks.
The best way that we know of to do this is to rate each task.
We find that people like to complete the tasks that are easier but less important first. This can be problematic. When we do this, we get
the feeling that we are getting things accomplished but find that we are never making progress on our important goals.
Skill: The A, B, Cs
Use the “A,” “B,” and “C” ratings. We have found that it works best to list all of the tasks first and then assign the priority ratings.
“A” Tasks: These are the tasks of highest importance. This means that they must be completed in the short term (like today or
tomorrow).
“B” Tasks: These are tasks of less importance, to be done over the long term. Some portions of the task should be completed in the short
term, but the other portions may take longer.
“C” Tasks: These tasks, of the lowest importance, may be more attractive and easier to do but are not as important as tasks with higher
rankings.
In this chapter, you should generate a task list, and discuss ratings for each item. Be very careful not to rate too many items as A!
P a g e | 35
You can now add this technique to your “tool box” of skills that you are developing to combat your ADHD symptoms. In addition to
making a to-do list for each day, you should now assign a rating of “A,” “B,” or “C” to each task. You should do all of the “A” tasks before
doing any of the “B” tasks!! This may be hard for you, but it is very important! It will help you to make sure that you complete the tasks that are
important to you.
■ Use this technique every day. Make a new list when the old one becomes too messy to read easily. ■
Potential Pitfalls
Homework
Use and look at your task list and calendar EVERY DAY!
Practice doing all of the “A” tasks before the “B” tasks and all of the “B” tasks before the “C” tasks (for this reason, there should be
P a g e | 36
fewer A tasks than B or C tasks).
Carry over tasks that are not completed; cross out the ones that are completed.
Consider any difficulties that you anticipate may interfere with your completing your homework.
An example of a task list is provided on page 43. See if you like this format for your task list.
Task List
P a g e | 37
P a g e | 38
Chapter 6 Problem-Solving and Managing Overwhelming Tasks
The main skills that you will learn in this session are how to solve problems effectively and how to take a task that, at first, seems
overwhelming and break it down into manageable steps. The problem-solving techniques are adapted from cognitive-behavioral interventions
that focus exclusively on problem-solving (e.g., D’Zurilla, 1986; Nezu, Nezu, Friedman, Faddis, & Houts, 1998).
Goals
■ To review your use of the calendar and task list, particularly the A, B, and C priority ratings
■ To learn how to use problem-solving to overcome difficulties with task completion or selection of a solution
P a g e | 39
As you have been doing each week, you should record your prescribed dosage of medication and indicate the number of doses you
missed. Review triggers for missed doses, such as distractibility, running out of medication, or thoughts about not wanting/needing to take
medication.
Prescribed doses per week: ____________________________________
Doses missed this week: ____________________________________
Triggers for missed doses: ____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
In this section, we focus on learning to recognize when you are having difficulty completing a task or are becoming overwhelmed and
cannot figure out exactly where to start. The reason we call problems “problems” is that there is no easy solution at hand; usually any solution
has serious pros and cons.
This typically can lead to problems like procrastination.
Once you recognize that there is a problem, you can use these problem-solving strategies to help.
We are going to go over two skills that may seem simple but are actually quite powerful.
P a g e | 40
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He eivät silti lakanneet vakoilemasta loitompaa. Kaikki lähitienoon
heinäladot ja riihet he tarkastivat. Sillä heille oli selvinnyt, että
jossakin Santerilla kaiketi oli varasto, josta Joonas oli jauhosäkit
kuljettanut.
*****
Mutta kun hän oli kävellyt maantielle asti, odotti häntä siinä kaksi
hevosta, joilla oli tyhjät reslat perässä ja mies kummassakin lakki
silmillä istumassa. Santeri hyppäsi ensimmäiseen rekeen, ja he
läksivät ajamaan täyttä juoksua alaspäin.
Kun Järvirannan taival loppui ja kylä alkoi, oli siinä joella tie, jota
heinämiehet kulkivat. Siitä oli ollut puhe ajaa jäälle.
Ja nyt alkoi kukin kertoa, mitä oli ehtinyt toimittaa. Saalkreenia oli
huitaistu selkään, niin että hän kaatui silmilleen kinokseen; vain
kerran hän oli ehtinyt ampua, luoti oli mennyt metsään. Neljästä
kuormasta oli tavarat saatu, viides oli jäänyt.
*****
Hän heräsi siihen, että pihaan ajettiin parilla hevosella, ja tiu'ut ja
kulkuset soivat niin, että nurkat helisivät.
»En ole kuullut koko asiaa», vastasi Santeri hyvin kuivalla äänellä.
Vallesmanni kivahti:
Liisa Vuojoki (Iso-Liisa): Ei tiennyt, oliko isäntä ollut kotona vai ei,
sillä hän ei ollut talossa käynyt edellisenä päivänä.
*****
Kului päiviä.
»Vai niin. Kumma, kun ei korjaa luitaan pois!» sanoi Santeri Liisan
puheisiin.
Kerran hän tapasi kylällä poliisin ja alkoi tälle kertoa, että häntä
ahdistettiin viattomasti. Hän voisi näyttää toteen, että hän oli
ryöstöyönä ollut koko ajan kotona…
Poliisi oli vain arvellut, että tämä oli paha asia, jos siitä kiinni
joutuisi.
Jussin piti selittää juurta jaksain kaikki mitä tiesi. Patruuna käveli
edestakaisin poltellen sikaaria ja kysellen. Jussi istui konttorin
pöydän päässä ja teki selvää kaikista tullikavallusasioista ja tästä
viimeisestä ryöstöstä, josta patruunalle koitui niin suuri vahinko ja
Santeri oli pantu kiinni.
»Joo, mutta kun ne tulevat käräjille, niin eivät tiedä puoltakaan. Irti
lasketaan Santeri… Odotappa, jahka välikäräjät tulevat», tuumi
patruuna vielä toivoen.
»Ei sitä miestä niinkään tuomita siitä, mitä yksi ja toinen on ollut
näkevinään», vahvisti patruuna omaa uskoaan.
»Jaa, mutta…»
»Niin kävi…»
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