Cognitive Behavioral Therapy As a Treatment for ADHD
CBT is a widely-used treatment for anxiety and depression in those with ADHD. Additionally, CBT can improve executive function – essential for time management and task completion – which may make it an even more beneficial treatment.
To get the most out of therapy, find a therapist you feel comfortable talking to and who has experience treating ADHD. Use online therapist locators or search engines to locate one near you. Additionally, speak to your doctor or insurance company to see if they accept CBT as a treatment for ADHD.
CBT therapists are skilled in helping you recognize the thoughts and behaviors that are causing you to feel unproductive, anxious or depressed. They will then provide strategies for changing those patterns of thought and action.
They will also assist you in developing skills to deal with challenging circumstances and managing your feelings healthy. Unlike many other forms of therapy, this one is problem-focused.
Some CBT techniques can be utilized independently or combined with other therapies, such as psychotherapy. These include cognitive restructuring and reframing, behavioral strategies, and mindfulness training.
Your therapist will collaborate with you to identify any negative thought patterns that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms, such as negative self-talk or an ongoing sense of anxiety and low self-esteem. They then teach you strategies for restructuring and reframing these thoughts so that productivity increases and you are able to manage symptoms more effectively.
You could also enroll in a behavior modification program that uses positive reinforcement, such as playing games or practicing relaxation exercises. Furthermore, you’ll be provided with tools to implement your new habits into everyday life – like a planner or to-do list.
Another effective treatment for ADHD is neurofeedback, which utilizes the body’s natural nervous system to regulate behavior. This noninvasive and painless method has proven useful in dealing with mood disorders, anger management issues, sleep issues, motivation issues and low self-esteem issues.
Psychologists and psychiatrists with extensive expertise in treating adult patients with ADHD can use a variety of approaches to help you tackle the difficulties that ADHD presents, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and exposure therapy.
The purpose of treatment is to restore you to a more functional, confident and productive member of society. Though results may take time to appear, they will last.
A therapist can create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the issues most important to you. They take into account your symptoms, any medical conditions or medications taken, and how long you have lived with ADHD. Furthermore, they consider how your environment may be influencing your condition and whether it’s leading to behavioral issues.
They’ll also assess your ability to manage stress and communicate with others. For instance, if you struggle with focus in certain tasks or social settings, they can assist in setting achievable objectives and finding ways to reach them.