Thought patterns and perspectives

Thoughts have a direct impact on how we feel and what we do, and beliefs shape the way we look at the world and at ourselves. Thoughts and beliefs (cognitions) can be positive and helpful, neutral, negative, maladaptive, or even distorted. Due in part to a lifetime of criticism, adults with ADHD often have unhelpful patterns of thought that can adversely affect many aspects of their internal life and external functioning. Many are unaware of the impact that these underlying thoughts have on their sense of self and self-efficacy for meaningful change. Coaches and therapists can encourage a three-step process to assist adults with ADHD in understanding the links between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: pause, mindful awareness, and choice. Addressing unhelpful thoughts can free up mental resources and begin shifting an, often persistent, negative spiral of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors toward a more adaptive and flexible spiral of new thinking, new choices, new behaviors, and an improved sense of self and well-being.