Understanding Types of Adult ADHD Therapy

Most of the time ADHD is diagnosed in children, but there are instances where ADHD isn’t diagnosed until a person is an adult. As the person ages the symptoms can change and often add stress to daily life. Those diagnosed with ADHD as an adult frequently prefer to use therapy for treatment rather than medication. This treatment plan involves learning how to manage and cope with the symptoms of ADHD.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27, ESV

Depending on the symptoms you have as an adult with ADHD various strategies can help with managing symptoms that can disrupt everyday life.

Common symptoms of ADHD in adults

The symptoms of adult ADHD are not much different from those of children. One of the differences is that as an adult it is easier to describe the symptoms. Predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, and combined presentation are the three ADHD types. The following symptoms are found in these types of ADHD in adulthood.

• Difficulty staying focused on tasks.
• Disorganization.
• Losing things.
• Overlooking details in work or other activities.
• Fidgeting.
• Talking excessively.
• Interrupting conversations.
• Making a noise while working.
• Highly distracted by external stimuli.
• Difficulty listening.
• Failing to follow through on instructions.
• Avoiding tasks that require mental effort.
• Leaving their seat at inappropriate times.
• Moving as if they are driven by a motor.
• Blurting out answers.

Types of ADHD therapy for adults

Therapy for adults with ADHD involves counseling that will promote an understanding of the disorder and what skills are needed to create successful strategies for coping. The techniques and methods used in counseling will help with impulsive behavior, problem-solving skills, self-esteem improvement, temper management strategies, time management skills, and relationship strategies.

There are five common types of ADHD therapy for adults:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This is the most common type of therapy with programs specifically designed for adults. The programs address the challenges of ADHD in adults and how to manage them effectively. Through CBT a counselor can help with the following:

• Introducing cognitive modifications to help change the way a person thinks about things.
• Share implementation strategies that will help with symptom management.
• Introduce behavior modification skills that will assist in the completion of various tasks.
• Encourage the practice of acceptance, mindfulness, and persistence.
• Help address and define strategies for other life areas such as time management, organization, self-regulation, and impulse control.
• Introduce stress management skills.
• Assistance with anxiety and depressive disorders that coexist with ADHD.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on building skills that are needed for everyday activities. These types of activities are self-care, leisure, and work. The therapy may include modification of a person’s workspace to help with task completion.

A few areas this therapy focuses on are:

Organization helps with creating structure, establishing a routine, and helping determine places for the items needed for everyday life.

Stress management techniques teaches techniques that will help individuals plan and manage time effectively.

Monitoring and regulating sensory stimulation teach techniques that will help with the recognition of hyper-reactive situations.

Social interaction and awareness through role-playing an individual can develop skills to improve interactions in relationships.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy will allow the counselor to combine traditional CBT and mindful meditation. This form of therapy promotes an open state of mind that connects the person to the moment. When the thoughts and feelings present themselves, they can be acknowledged and managed in a way that will help regulate emotions.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectal Behavioral Therapy is often used by clinicians to assist clients in accepting intense emotions while targeting troubling thoughts in order to provide that sense of validation during treatment. DBT includes behavioral and cognitive skills to allow the client to find acceptance, mindfulness, and self-control over their diagnosis.

This modality primarily focuses on:

Mindfulness

Becoming self-aware of feelings, thoughts, and actions with determining the root cause of behavior while being given tools to modify if and when needed.

Distress tolerance

The ability to work through difficult emotions or challenging situations without becoming overstimulated.

Interpersonal effectiveness

Learning the concept of balance in various areas of desires such as “wants” and “should” Similar to mindfulness, this skill demonstrates the ability to become conscious of thoughts, feelings, and behavior in order to gain objective, relational, and self-effectiveness.

Emotion Regulation

Gaining the skillset on how to successfully identify and manage emotions in various circumstances.

ADHD coaching

A newer technique used in ADHD therapy for adults is not a traditional type of therapy, but it is effective for some individuals. ADHD coaching focuses on helping the individual learn practical solutions to help with everyday life obstacles. The coach helps an individual learn the skills needed to initiate change by targeting certain obstacles. The first session with an ADHD coach typically entails a longer time frame to identify the skills needed for each area.

Goal setting is a skill that can help with identifying goals that the individual would like to accomplish. Planning skills can help with maintaining daily focus, which will lead to goal achievement. Problem-solving is an area that is affected by the ability to determine actionable steps that will lead toward meeting a goal. These areas and skills are addressed by a Christian counselor who is also trained in ADHD coaching.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed as an ADHD adult is not uncommon. There are treatment plans that can address the strategies that are effective in identifying and coping with the symptoms and challenges of ADHD. The first step in deciding which type of treatment will be the best choice for you is to connect with a local Christian counselor. They have the tools and resources you need to make an informed decision. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.