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How can cognitive behavioral therapy help people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a valuable therapeutic approach for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), often used alongside medication to improve management of the condition.12

Rather than focusing on the origins of the disorder, CBT helps patients identify and modify negative or inaccurate thinking patterns that influence their emotions and behaviors. For those with ADHD, the therapy provides practical tools to:1

Monitor and control emotions: Patients learn strategies to better regulate their emotional responses.2
Establish structure: Therapy assists individuals in creating consistent, structured daily routines.2
Goal setting: Patients are taught how to define clear, achievable goals and develop the strategies necessary to reach them.2

CBT is typically structured, often involving 10–20 sessions where therapists and clients collaborate on specific strategies. By practicing these techniques—sometimes through assigned homework—individuals can learn to manage their symptoms more realistically and effectively, leading to improved daily functioning.31