Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder psychotherapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Many psychological interventions can be used to manage symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help according to a systematic review with a standard mean difference of self-reported ADHD symptoms -0.16 compared to supportive care^[1].

• Educating the patient and his or her family members can prove useful in combating the negative effects of ADHD. For the parents or guardians of young patients, parenting skills training can help teach them the skills they need to encourage and reward positive behaviors in their children. Such training helps parents learn how to use a system of rewards and consequences to change a child’s behavior. In this intervention, parents are taught to give immediate and positive feedback for behaviors they want to encourage, and ignore or redirect behaviors that they want to discourage.
• Parents may also find it helpful to learn stress management techniques, which could increase their ability to productively deal with their frustration and enable them to interact with their child in a calm manner.
• Support groups can assist the parents and families of ADHD patients by connecting them with others who have similar problems and concerns. Groups often meet regularly to share frustrations and successes, to exchange information about recommended specialists and strategies, and to talk with experts.^[2]

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