About 15.5 million American adults have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulty concentrating and impulsive behavior.
ADHD is often associated with children and teens, and symptoms usually present differently in adults. Some adults turn to prescription medication and lifestyle changes, like meditation, to help manage their symptoms. However, many still struggle to find relief.
That’s why evidence-based behavioral health counseling techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are increasingly becoming important tools.
The team at Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, regularly counsels patients with adult ADHD. In recognition of ADHD Awareness Month this month, we’re using this blog to highlight CBT and how it may help manage your symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. More specifically, it teaches skills and coping mechanisms that can change negative thoughts and emotions associated with ADHD.
For adults struggling with ADHD symptoms, such as procrastination, forgetfulness, and impulsivity, CBT can help identify harmful thought or behavior patterns and take concrete steps to address them.
Many adults with ADHD feel overwhelmed, forgetful, and frustrated. CBT makes it easier to manage these emotions by focusing on several key areas:
Do you feel like your to-do list is never-ending? Maybe you forgot a big meeting or deadline. Either way, CBT can help you learn how to stay organized. For example, use notifications on your phone or digital calendar. Time-blocking large tasks can make them more manageable.
Individuals with ADHD are often hard on themselves, leading to negative thought patterns. For example, you might tell yourself that a work-related task is too challenging or that a promotion is out of reach because you aren’t good enough.
CBT teaches you how to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more positive, realistic ones.
Some adults with ADHD are more likely to rely on drugs and alcohol to help cope with difficult emotions. CBT can address these challenges by offering techniques for managing feelings of stress, anger, and frustration, or co-occurring conditions, such as depression.
Enrolling in CBT can offer various benefits, including:
CBT is unique in that the skills it provides can be implemented long-term. Medication may only relieve symptoms temporarily, but CBT offers tools for lasting improvement.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and struggle to cope with medication alone, schedule an appointment today. Call our office at 303-351-1800 or book your visit online.
