Anthony L. Rostain, MD, MA's experience, qualifications and contribution to the field of ADHD will not fit into a social media post, suffice to say he really KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT!
I really appreciated Tony's reflection on the lessons he has learned from a career in psychiatry spanning three decades, and his primary area of expertise 'lifespan neuro-developmental psychiatry'. He shared his perspective on what really works to support adults with ADHD to live well with their differences.
It was incredibly refreshing to hear an academic and clinician value the lived experience of those who live with ADHD; and to appreciate that because it is neuro-developmental that is pervasive, and can impact all aspects of functioning and the human experience.
In Tony's view it is important to intergrate treatment approaches for those ADHD. He recommended consideration of:
Psycho-education
Environmental adaptation
Medication
CBT
DBT
Support groups
ADHD Coaching
Workplace adjustments
Assistive Technology
Educational interventions / Academic adjustments
In my experience those with ADHD have had limited success with CBT, not because it is not appropriate for us, but because it was not delivered through the lens of ADHD. Tony shared the CBT adapted framework he and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania developed to integrate medical, therapeutic and psychosocial approaches to secure best outcomes for those living with ADHD. This intervention targets modification across several domains:
COGNITIVE - to develop self regulatory efficacy
BEHAVIOUR - establishing habits , engagement
EMOTIONAL - self acceptance, emotional literacy
IMPLEMENTATION - execution of intentions, stratagies, coping skills
INTERPERSONAL - self advocacy, boundaries, fulfil potential
I hope that the therapists in attendance took note and will share what they learned with their colleagues so more of us can benefit in future.
#adhdresearch #adhdsolutions #adhdstrategies #radicalacceptance #adhdselfcompassion #adhdbrain #NeuroDiverseSquad #adhdunderstood #livewellwithadhd
