Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsADHD Therapy BenefitsCognitive Behavioral TherapyMindfulness-Based Cognitive TherapyOccupational TherapyADHD CoachingWho Needs It?Next in Adult ADHD Guide10 Surprising Benefits of Having ADHD
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
ADHD Therapy Benefits
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Occupational Therapy
ADHD Coaching
Who Needs It?
Next in Adult ADHD Guide
ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) starts in childhood, but around 60% of cases continue into adulthood.It’s common for ADHD to be diagnosed in adults because the condition was missed in childhood.
While ADHD is not curable, it is manageable.Medicationis the first-linetreatmentfor adult ADHD, but it may not be possible or the preferred treatment for everyone with the condition.Therapyis another effective tool for treating adult ADHD.
This article covers adult ADHD therapy, including the different types available and who may benefit.
Verywell / Mira Norian
Adult ADHD Therapy Benefits
While medication is typically recommended as the first-linetreatmentfor adult ADHD, some people may not be able to take it or may prefer not to.
ADHD medication can haveside effects, so some people may prefer to avoid medication. Some people can’t take ADHD medications because they have other health conditions or take other medications. For some adults with ADHD, medication isn’t an effective way for them to manage their symptoms.
Therapycan be effective for adults with ADHD as an alternative to medication or in addition to it.
Medication and therapy target different areas of managing ADHD. Medication helps with ADHD symptoms like distractibility, short attention span, and impulsivity.Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) can help people develop the habits and skills needed for self-management and emotional and interpersonal self-regulation.
It’s also common for adults with ADHD to have other (co-occurring) conditions, such asdepressionoranxiety disorders. Some therapies that are used for ADHD can also help with the symptoms of other mental health conditions.
ADD or ADHD?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) is the most common non-pharmaceutical treatment for ADHD. Research has demonstrated the positive effects of using CBT to treat the primary symptoms ofADHD in adults.
CBT for adults with ADHD may include:
CBT programs have been developed specifically for adults with ADHD. These programs address challenges in daily functions like time management, organization, and planning. Other focuses of CBT include emotional self-regulation, impulse control, andstress management.
CBT can also help people manage coexisting anxiety and depressive disorders, which are common in the adult ADHD community.
What Are Different Types of Medications for ADHD?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines conventional cognitive-behavioral interventions with mindfulnessmeditation.
Mindfulnesspromotes an open and alert state of mind in which a person’s attention stays in the present moment. Thoughts and feelings that come up during mindfulness exercises are recognized and acknowledged without judgment.
Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can improve some brain functions related to ADHD, including attention control and emotion regulation.
How ADHD Affects Your Life
Occupational therapyhelps people build skills that they need to participate in everyday life activities, such as self-care, work, or leisure. Occupational therapy can involve skill-building or modifying a person’s workplace or environment to make it easier for them to do their tasks.
More research is needed, but occupational therapy could be a promising intervention for people with ADHD.
Occupational therapy for adults with ADHD may focus on these areas:
Is ADHD a Disability? Accommodations and Benefits
While it’s not a traditional form of therapy, behavioral coaching can help adults with ADHD learn practical solutions to obstacles in everyday life.
ADHD coaching targets areas such as:
After the contract period ends, there is an evaluation session to go over a person’s progress and plan the next steps. An adult with ADHD may choose to keep going with coaching (on the same or a new schedule) or stop.
ADHD coaches can be:
Keep in mind that there are no licensing requirements or regulations for ADHD coaching. Anyone can practice ADHD coaching. It’s important to thoroughly research potential coaches before hiring them to help you.
Traditional health insurance usually does not cover ADHD coaching. You’ll want to consider the cost of coaching if you’ll have to pay for the sessions yourself.
Other Things That May Help Adult ADHDMaking some lifestyle changes in addition to treatment can help youmanage ADHD symptomsmore effectively. Here are a few things to try:Doing regular physical activity that you enjoyGetting enough high-quality sleepEating plenty ofnutritious foodsUsing relaxation techniques like meditation and yogaBuilding a support network of friends and family or a group for other adults with ADHD
Other Things That May Help Adult ADHD
Making some lifestyle changes in addition to treatment can help youmanage ADHD symptomsmore effectively. Here are a few things to try:Doing regular physical activity that you enjoyGetting enough high-quality sleepEating plenty ofnutritious foodsUsing relaxation techniques like meditation and yogaBuilding a support network of friends and family or a group for other adults with ADHD
Making some lifestyle changes in addition to treatment can help youmanage ADHD symptomsmore effectively. Here are a few things to try:
The ADHD Brain
Who Needs ADHD Therapy?
Adults with ADHD who are having a hard time managing their symptoms with or without medication can benefit from ADHD therapy.
Adults with ADHD often know what they need to do to be organized, plan, and focus, but find it challenging to put it all into practice. ADHD therapy can help them learn and implement strategies to manage their lives more effectively.
Risks of Untreated ADHD in Adults
Summary
While medication is often the first-line treatment for adult ADHD, therapy can also be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, and ADHD coaching can be used as an alternative to medication or along with it. You can talk to your provider about what type or combination of treatments for ADHD would be the best fit for you.
Best Online ADHD Therapy Services of 2023
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bachmann K, Lam AP, Philipsen A.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and the adult adhd brain: a neuropsychotherapeutic perspective.Front Psychiatry. 2016;7. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00117CHADD.Cognitive-behavioral therapy.Puente AN, Mitchell JT.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: a case study of multi-method assessment of executive functioning in clinical practice and manualized treatment adaptation.Clinical Case Studies. 2016;15(3):198-211. doi:10.1177/1534650115614098American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders Conference.CBT for Adult ADHD: Getting patients to do what they know they need to do.Aadil M, Cosme RM, Chernaik J.Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy as an adjunct treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young adults: a literature review.Cureus. 2017;9(5):e1269. Published 2017 May 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.1269Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-zCHADD.Can occupational therapy help people with ADHD?.CHADD.Coaching.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bachmann K, Lam AP, Philipsen A.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and the adult adhd brain: a neuropsychotherapeutic perspective.Front Psychiatry. 2016;7. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00117CHADD.Cognitive-behavioral therapy.Puente AN, Mitchell JT.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: a case study of multi-method assessment of executive functioning in clinical practice and manualized treatment adaptation.Clinical Case Studies. 2016;15(3):198-211. doi:10.1177/1534650115614098American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders Conference.CBT for Adult ADHD: Getting patients to do what they know they need to do.Aadil M, Cosme RM, Chernaik J.Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy as an adjunct treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young adults: a literature review.Cureus. 2017;9(5):e1269. Published 2017 May 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.1269Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-zCHADD.Can occupational therapy help people with ADHD?.CHADD.Coaching.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bachmann K, Lam AP, Philipsen A.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and the adult adhd brain: a neuropsychotherapeutic perspective.Front Psychiatry. 2016;7. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00117CHADD.Cognitive-behavioral therapy.Puente AN, Mitchell JT.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: a case study of multi-method assessment of executive functioning in clinical practice and manualized treatment adaptation.Clinical Case Studies. 2016;15(3):198-211. doi:10.1177/1534650115614098American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders Conference.CBT for Adult ADHD: Getting patients to do what they know they need to do.Aadil M, Cosme RM, Chernaik J.Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy as an adjunct treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young adults: a literature review.Cureus. 2017;9(5):e1269. Published 2017 May 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.1269Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-zCHADD.Can occupational therapy help people with ADHD?.CHADD.Coaching.
Bachmann K, Lam AP, Philipsen A.Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and the adult adhd brain: a neuropsychotherapeutic perspective.Front Psychiatry. 2016;7. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00117
CHADD.Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Puente AN, Mitchell JT.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: a case study of multi-method assessment of executive functioning in clinical practice and manualized treatment adaptation.Clinical Case Studies. 2016;15(3):198-211. doi:10.1177/1534650115614098
American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders Conference.CBT for Adult ADHD: Getting patients to do what they know they need to do.
Aadil M, Cosme RM, Chernaik J.Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy as an adjunct treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young adults: a literature review.Cureus. 2017;9(5):e1269. Published 2017 May 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.1269
Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-z
CHADD.Can occupational therapy help people with ADHD?.
CHADD.Coaching.
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