During psychotherapy, a licensed and trained mental health care professional helps people with ADHD to like and accept themselves, despite their disorder. It does not address the symptoms or underlying causes of the disorder. Patients talk with the therapist about upsetting thoughts and feelings, explore self-defeating patterns of behavior, and learn alternative ways to handle their emotions. As they talk, the therapist tries to help them understand how they can improve or better cope with their disorder. The following explains some of the most common types of psychotherapy used in the treatment of ADHD.
Behavioral Therapy: This approach helps to weaken the connections between troublesome situations and the habitual reactions to them. It teaches that reactions common to ADHD such as fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and self-damaging behavior can be controlled. The support might be practical assistance, like help in organizing tasks or dealing with emotionally charged events. Or the support might be in self-monitoring one's own behavior and giving self-praise or rewards for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting. Scheduling, organizing items needed everyday, and using a notebook or organizer are examples of some simple behavioral interventions.
Cognitive Therapy: Working in conjunction with behavior therapy, this approach helps patients identify how certain thinking patterns may trigger symptoms by giving a distorted picture of reality. False negative perceptions can lead to anxiety, depression or anger, thus provoking him or her into negative action. Resolving the cognitive aspect of ADHD can mean improved interaction with others and a more positive outlook on life.