CBT and ADHD

Cognitive behavioural therapies, or CBT, are among the approaches that can help people with ADHD. They aim to develop concrete strategies for better managing everyday difficulties. Here is what you need to know. When well chosen, they can effectively complement the support provided.

What is CBT

CBT is a structured therapy, focused on current difficulties. It helps to identify the thoughts, emotions and behaviours that cause problems, and to change them gradually. It relies on concrete exercises.

You will find more details in the article Psychologist and ADHD.

For the child

With young children, the behavioural approach mainly involves parents, through parent guidance programmes. Parents learn tools for everyday life.

Our article Parent guidance and ADHD complements this advice.

For the teenager

Teenagers can work directly on organisation, time management, procrastination, impulsivity and managing emotions. These strategies help them gain independence.

To explore further, see ADHD in adolescence.

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For the adult

In adults, CBT helps to put in place organisational strategies, to better manage stress and to work on self-esteem. They are often part of a broader support plan.

The article Management of ADHD in adults looks at this question in detail.

How it works

Sessions are regular, either individual or in groups. The therapist suggests exercises to practise between sessions. Regularity is important for making progress.

This point is explained step by step in ADHD and procrastination.

Associated conditions

CBT is also useful for anxiety, depression or relationship difficulties, which are common in ADHD. They help to address all of the difficulties.

To go further, read our article ADHD and anxiety.

Finding a therapist

Choose a psychologist or psychiatrist trained in CBT and familiar with ADHD. Depending on your situation, some sessions may be reimbursed under schemes such as Mon soutien psy. Find out about their training before starting.

We detail this point in ADHD: reimbursement of sessions.