Managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can be a challenge. It requires patience, practice, and self-discipline. It also requires a personalized strategy designed to create change. This is where cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that challenges negative patterns of thought in order to remove unwanted behavior problems or treat mood disorders. By being more aware of these patterns, and working to change them, the patient is able to think more clearly and respond in a more effective manner.

According to a 2018 study, researchers found cognitive behavioral therapy could reduce ADHD symptoms, ease feelings of depression and anxiety, and improve executive function. The benefits held for at least five months after treatment ended.

By identifying the patterns causing you harm and implementing specific techniques learned in CBT such as cognitive restructuring and successive approximation, a better quality of life is possible.

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Manage ADHD?

Here are a few ways CBT can help manage ADHD symptoms:

• Build healthier routines and planning strategies
• Systematically reduce or eliminate distractions
• Integrate emotional and motivational aspects to help patients cope with symptoms
• Improve time management and reduce procrastination
• Develop adaptive thinking skills

CBT for ADHD will help recognize mental roadblocks and develop healthy strategies to defeat them. This leads to improved problem-solving skills and emotional regulation in specific, measurable, realistic ways. The ultimate goal is to achieve a greater control of self.

Managing ADHD With CBT

To learn more about how cognitive behavioral therapy works to help manage ADHD, schedule a session with one of our licensed professionals.

Dean A. Aman, LPCMH specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD. His office is located in Newark but telepsychiatry is also available. Contact us for details.