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ADHD Behavior Therapy

Physicians and patients tend to focus on medication therapy as a treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD can be aided by behavioral therapy as well. In fact, therapy makes medication more effective.

  1. How It Works

    • Behavior therapy works by rewarding good behavior and dissuading poor behavior. The National Resource Center on ADHD describes behavior therapy in the terms of ABCs: Antecedents, behaviors and consequences.

    Organizational Skills

    • One focus of behavior therapy is organization. During therapy sessions, children may be taught how to keep organized at school and at home, by encouraging them to place items in the correct places and to write down important assignments.

    Behavioral Modification

    • Behavior therapy teaches the person with ADHD how to monitor his or her own behavior. The therapist teaches him or her how to reduce impulsivity and to think before action.

    Self-Esteem

    • Adults and children undergoing behavior therapy for ADHD may learn how to increase their self-esteem and decrease stress.

    Family Therapy

    • In some cases, the therapist suggests therapy sessions that include the whole family. The purpose is to reinforce behavioral changes.

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