Finding Balance: Understanding ADHD Therapy Options

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common mental health disorder that affects children and adults. It is estimated that 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults are diagnosed with ADHD; these percentages may be higher since some individuals with ADHD may not realize they have the disorder or have not been formally diagnosed. 

Children with ADHD may struggle with schoolwork or have difficulty sitting still, staying on task, and refraining from engaging in impulsive behaviors. Adults with ADHD may have trouble functioning in work and relationships, managing time effectively, struggling with organization and completing tasks, and overcoming restlessness. There are many treatment options available for people with ADHD, including therapy, medication, and adjusting lifestyle factors.

Therapeutic interventions for ADHD

Individuals with ADHD may find relief from their symptoms through behavior therapy or talk therapy. Some of the most common types of therapy for ADHD include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most popular therapy methods, and it’s easy to understand why: studies show it is an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD. CBT focuses on reframing negative thought patterns into more positive ones, which can improve an individual’s mood, outlook, self-esteem, and more. In CBT for ADHD, the mental health professional may focus specifically on helping individuals reframe their thought patterns around productivity or their emotions, leading to increased motivation and more positive emotions.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)

MBCT combines the central tenets of CBT – reshaping negative or unhelpful thought patterns into more positive ones – with the principles of mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness involves intentional awareness of the present moment without judging or trying to change it. Practicing mindfulness techniques, like breathing exercises and meditation, paired with reframing cognitive distortions, can help to improve ADHD symptoms and overall well-being.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Many people know DBT as the gold-standard treatment for borderline personality disorder, but this type of therapy can also be an effective treatment for ADHD. DBT works by helping individuals become more comfortable with distressing emotions, which can benefit those with ADHD who struggle with emotion control. Additionally, DBT can help improve interpersonal relationships, improve focus, and decrease ADHD symptoms overall.

ADHD coaching

Some people with ADHD may be looking to address specific symptoms or issues. In these cases, an ADHD coach could be an effective tool.

ADHD coaching can offer new methods and tools to help individuals with ADHD overcome obstacles and meet their goals.

Interpersonal therapy

Some people with ADHD may have relationship trouble due to specific ADHD symptoms, like disorganization, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty focusing during conversations. In interpersonal therapy, individuals with ADHD can learn to better accept their emotions and effectively communicate with others.

Group therapy

Group therapy can be a supportive intervention for people with ADHD. Like support groups, group therapy sessions give individuals the opportunity to narrate their stories and provide comfort and encouragement to one another, knowing that fellow group members can understand and empathize with them. Unlike many support groups, however, group therapy is typically administered by a mental health professional, who may incorporate therapeutic techniques like CBT. ADHD group therapy may also offer tools and coping skills to manage ADHD symptoms, leading to more positive behavior overall.  

Narrative therapy

Some people with ADHD experience self-stigma, which involves feelings of shame around having ADHD and experiencing ADHD symptoms. These individuals may experience low self-esteem or struggle with feeling confident. Narrative therapy can be a positive tool in helping people rewrite the stories they tell themselves, encouraging them to recognize their strengths and achievements rather than focusing on their perceived negative qualities. 

Treating ADHD with medication

Another standard treatment for ADHD is medication. Pharmacological treatment helps with impulse control, emotional control, focus, and several other areas that are typically impacted by ADHD. ADHD medications generally work by increasing levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine. Studies show that both therapy and medications can be effective treatments for ADHD. Common forms of ADHD medication include: 

Stimulants

Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping individuals with ADHD to think more clearly, pay attention more easily, and increase productivity overall. Stimulant medications can cause side effects and may lead to changes in sleep and decreased appetite.

Nonstimulants

Nonstimulant medications have been shown to improve ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Nonstimulant medications may take longer to take effect compared to stimulants, which tend to work right away. However, some people may experience fewer side effects with this type of ADHD treatment. 

Antidepressants

Though antidepressants have not been FDA-approved for treating ADHD, they can be a helpful tool for decreasing ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants, like stimulants, can increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to better focus, clearer thoughts, and improved motivation. However, antidepressants that affect serotonin (SSRIs) have not been shown to help treat ADHD. That said, various trials are being conducted on the efficacy of novel ADHD treatments, and the FDA recently approved a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of ADHD in patients aged 6-17 years old.

Managing ADHD symptoms with lifestyle changes

For some people, changing certain lifestyle factors can relieve ADHD symptoms. This can be particularly helpful for those who aren’t interested in taking medication or who are not receiving mental health assistance. However, these healthy lifestyle changes can benefit anyone with ADHD, regardless of whether they are in therapy and/or use medication. 

Sleep

Most of us know that sleep can be a crucial part of taking care of our mental and physical health. But for individuals with ADHD, getting adequate sleep can be a way to keep symptoms at bay. Individuals with ADHD are more likely to struggle with insomnia and other sleep problems, and if this is the case for you, looking into treatment for sleep issues may be an effective way to improve your physical and mental health and ADHD symptoms.

Exercise

Like getting adequate sleep, regular exercise can benefit everyone, not just those with ADHD. However, exercise may be a particularly effective treatment for ADHD – studies show that regular exercise can improve all symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity, executive function, impulsivity, motor skills, and academic performance. 

Routines

Implementing routines into daily life may lessen ADHD symptoms like executive dysfunction, time management, and impulsivity. You may consider going to bed and waking up at the same time and creating morning and evening routines. An example of a nighttime routine may include making yourself a balanced meal, engaging in a hobby you enjoy, and taking a relaxing bath or shower before bed. Other beneficial lifestyle adjustments may consist of:

• Managing stress
• Eating a balanced diet
• Leaning on friends and family members for support
• Trying meditation or yoga

Benefits of therapy

Therapy can be an effective way to improve ADHD symptoms and invest in your mental health. If you’re new to therapy, you may not know if it’s right for you, but research indicates that people who attend therapy gain benefits that last even after they stop attending therapy. Some benefits from therapy include improved physical and mental health, fewer sick days, improved work satisfaction, and fewer medical issues. 

Additionally, therapy doesn’t have to involve waiting rooms, inconvenient appointment times, or finding childcare if you have children. With online therapy, you can receive the benefits of in-office treatment from the comfort of your home – no commute or babysitter necessary. Studies show that online therapy is effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, and research indicates online ADHD therapy may be an effective intervention for people with ADHD.