There are a range of treatments which show good outcomes for adult ADHD. These include medication, cognitive-behavioural therapy for adult ADHD, and couples counselling for those experiencing relationship difficulties.
Medication
There is significant evidence supporting the use of medication in the treatment of ADHD in adults. Using medication in combination with psychological strategies is likely to lead to the best outcomes.
CBT for adult ADHD
Research suggests that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for adult ADHD is the most helpful approach to managing problems associated with ADHD in adulthood. In CBT for adult ADHD, a psychologist, or other qualified health professional, helps the person learn a range of skills that can reduce the impact of ADHD.
CBT for adult ADHD includes:
- education about adult ADHD, and how it can affect different areas of people’s lives
- organisation, planning, and time-management skills training, including strategies such as the use of calendars and task lists, prioritising, and breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable goals
- training in effective problem solving, which involves defining the problem, brainstorming solutions, trying out a solution, and evaluating its success
- strategies for reducing distractions and increasing attention span, for example, structuring small tasks around the person’s realistic attention span, removing environmental distractions, and setting reminders, and
- thinking in more helpful and realistic ways, particularly around situations that cause distress. Overly negative thoughts and assumptions can prevent people from using skills that may help them manage their ADHD, and may contribute to other problems such as depression and low self-worth. Learning to identify and challenge these thoughts can be particularly helpful.
Couples counselling
While not a treatment for ADHD, couples therapy might be useful for those experiencing difficulties in their relationships, which is not uncommon for adults with ADHD. Couples counselling involves helping both partners understand how their attitudes and behaviours influence the relationship, learn to express caring and accepting emotions, improve communication, identify and change problem behaviours, and focus on the positive aspects of the relationship.