Cognitive therapy is one of a range of treatment options used for treating behavioural disorders, including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is the treatment of choice for patients and parents who are looking for drug-free options with fewer corresponding side effects.
What is ADD?
ADD is a behavioural disorder caused by a lack of certain brain chemicals, which leads to impairments in executive functions that affect an individual's pattern of behaviour. It is commonly diagnosed in children and is a disruptive influence in the ongoing development of the child, particularly in the areas of education and social integration.
What is Cognitive Therapy?
Cognitive therapy, often used as a component of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), is a form of psychotherapy aimed at breaking negative behavioural traits and habits. Negative thinking patterns and feelings can snowball and perpetuate the already low self-esteem of an ADD sufferer. This form of therapy aims to reassert some control over the patient's core beliefs and change their thought process and emotional responses, leading to more realistic and positive thoughts.
Cognitive therapy is widely used for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and other anxiety disorders. It is also used in the treatment of depression and its residual symptoms. In addition to depressive symptoms, other mental disorders and medical conditions that can benefit from this form of psychological therapy include:
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Eating disorders
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Mood disorders
- Addiction
- Chronic negative moods
How Can Cognitive Therapy Help ADD?
Cognitive therapy is one of the most common psychological interventions that mental health professionals often use, as it has been found to be an effective treatment for adults and children with ADD. Every treatment plan is tailored to the specific needs of a patient, using a variety of CBT techniques to address the irrational beliefs of a patient and equip them with problem solving skills and self-control to develop healthier patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Therapy sessions usually involve a variety of techniques, ranging from role playing and journaling to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and exposure therapy, all of which aim to improve how a patient handles a difficult situation, or other challenges that may occur in their daily life, resulting from inattention or hyperactivity.
As ADD falls under the category of developmental disorders, the patient is made to understand that their poor memory, short attention span and difficulty staying on task, are not part of their character but due to a mental health condition that is rooted in a neurodevelopmental disorder. Being aware of the underlying cause of their condition will help them cope with their negative emotions and improve their quality of life. They will learn to think through the consequences their actions may have before actually performing them. This form of therapy is effective for sufferers who find listening, focusing and paying attention difficult.
What is a Typical Cognitive Therapy Session for ADD Like?
Cognitive therapy is typically conducted on a session by session basis, with a number of predetermined goals set and worked towards. These will focus on specific objectives such as task completion, which ADD patients have particular trouble with, accompanied by frequent evaluation of how the patient is progressing. A therapist is able to teach patients the necessary skills to accomplish these tasks and reverse the negative cycle of behaviour.
While it may not treat the core symptoms of ADD that are rooted in the brain, cognitive therapy is nonetheless an invaluable tool for transforming negative thoughts, feelings and moods through the support it provides for emotion regulation. The psychosocial treatments involved in the therapy sessions will also help the patient identify healthy behaviours, such as getting ample sleep and exercise, to promote their cognitive functions and prevent the likelihood of developing residual symptoms of major depression due to their everyday life challenges.
Apart from forgetfulness and disorganisation, people with ADD are prone to daydreaming, which makes them experience anxiety symptoms at the mere thought of being in social situations for fear of embarrassing themselves. A mental health professional can help them prepare a journal where they can write down their daily tasks, routine activities, or specific times throughout the day when they lose focus or daydream. While this may seem simple, its treatment effects can go a long way in helping one to get over potential blockages that could prevent them from meeting their goals.
Find out about other effective natural ADD treatments.
Originally published on Jul 02, 2010
