-by Elaine Collins, Registered Psychologist
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how psychologists support adults with ADHD through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It explores the symptoms and types of ADHD, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis, and why psychiatrists may recommend an ADHD psychologist (or coach). The article also highlights the benefits of CBT in managing ADHD-related challenges such as emotional regulation, executive function, time management, and goal setting. Additionally, it introduces our self-paced CBT programs that are accessible to anyone, with or without a formal ADHD diagnosis, to help them develop practical coping strategies and improve daily functioning.
Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition traditionally associated with children, but it persists into adulthood for many individuals. Adult ADHD manifests through symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and professional life. Despite its prevalence, adult ADHD often remains underdiagnosed, leading to challenges in accessing appropriate support and interventions (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Symptoms and Types of Adult ADHD
ADHD symptoms can vary in severity and impact different aspects of life. The American Psychiatric Association (2022) identifies three primary types of ADHD based on symptom presentation:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities
Frequent careless mistakes in work or other responsibilities
Struggling with organisation and time management
Easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts
Forgetfulness in daily activities (e.g., appointments, paying bills)
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Excessive fidgeting or restlessness
Difficulty remaining seated in situations requiring stillness
Talking excessively and interrupting conversations
Difficulty waiting for one’s turn in social or work settings
Acting without considering consequences (impulsivity)
Combined Presentation
Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity present equally
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach for Diagnosis
To obtain a formal diagnosis of Adult ADHD/ADD, a multidisciplinary approach is required. This involves consultation with a General Practitioner (GP), Psychologist, and/or Psychiatrist. At our psychology practice, we do not conduct ADHD assessments simply because we do not have the capacity. Instead, our focus is on providing therapy.
If you seek a formal diagnosis, we recommend starting with your GP, who can assess your symptoms and refer you to a suitable psychiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation. Once a diagnosis is confirmed and a treatment plan is developed, which may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or ADHD coaching, we will be back in the picture to support you through therapy.
Why an ADHD Psychologist Is Sometimes Referred to as an ADHD Coach
An ADHD psychologist is sometimes referred to as an ADHD Coach because of their role in helping individuals develop practical strategies and coping mechanisms to manage ADHD symptoms in daily life. While psychiatrists typically focus on diagnosis and medication management, they often recommend an ADHD psychologist (or ADHD Coach) to provide structured behavioural and cognitive support. ADHD psychologists work collaboratively with clients to enhance executive functioning skills, emotional regulation, time management, and goal-setting, which are areas where ADHD can cause significant challenges.
The Role of Psychologists in Managing Adult ADHD
Psychologists play a pivotal role in the treatment of Adult ADHD. Once a diagnosis has been made, we help individuals make sense of their ADHD and develop coping mechanisms to improve daily life. One of the most evidence-based and widely used interventions for ADHD management is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (Safren et al., 2018).
Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that addresses the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By identifying and challenging unhelpful cognitive patterns, individuals can develop healthier behaviours and coping strategies. CBT has been extensively researched and is considered effective for various mental health conditions, including ADHD (Young et al., 2020).
CBT's Efficacy in Treating Adult ADHD
Research indicates that CBT can significantly improve ADHD symptoms in adults. It helps individuals develop skills to manage inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Moreover, CBT addresses associated challenges such as time management, organisational skills, and emotional regulation. Studies show that CBT, when combined with medication, leads to better outcomes than medication alone, underscoring its effectiveness as a complementary treatment (Katzman et al., 2017).
Core Components of CBT for Adult ADHD
Psychoeducation – Educating individuals about ADHD, its symptoms, and its impact fosters self-awareness and reduces self-blame.
Skill Training – CBT equips individuals with practical skills to manage daily tasks. This includes organisational techniques, time management strategies, and methods to enhance focus and productivity.
Cognitive Restructuring – This involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. By reframing these thoughts, individuals can adopt a more positive and proactive mindset.
Emotional Regulation – CBT teaches techniques to manage emotions effectively, helping individuals respond to situations calmly and thoughtfully.
Relapse Prevention – Developing strategies to maintain progress and prevent setbacks is crucial. This includes recognising potential triggers and implementing coping mechanisms.
Self-Paced Educational CBT Programmes for Adult ADHD
We have designed self-paced educational CBT programs to support individuals in understanding and managing their ADHD. These programs are carefully created to be accessible to adults with or without a formal ADHD diagnosis. Our programs focus on the following key areas:
CBT for Adult ADHD Emotional Regulation
CBT for Adult ADHD Executive Function
CBT for Adult ADHD Goal Setting
CBT for Adult ADHD Time Management
CBT for Adult ADHD Better Sleep
CBT for Adult ADHD Fit and Focused
CBT for Adult ADHD Mastering Parenthood
Our Psychology Team has meticulously developed these programs to ensure they are easy to understand and implement. They help individuals make sense of their diagnosis and guide them through actionable steps to enhance performance and success in their daily lives.
Our programs offer structured, evidence-based self-paced modules covering various aspects of ADHD management, including emotional regulation, executive functioning, goal setting, time management, better sleep, fitness and focus, and parenting challenges. Each course module provides resources, exercises, and tools to help individuals understand ADHD and develop effective strategies.
For more information, visit: Brain Training Australia – CBT for Adult ADHD.
Benefits of Engaging in CBT Programs
Participating in structured CBT programs offers numerous advantages:
Personalised Support – Programs often tailor interventions to address individual challenges, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Skill Development – Individuals acquire practical skills that can be applied in daily life, enhancing functioning and reducing ADHD-related impairments.
Community and Support Networks – Group programs provide a sense of community, allowing participants to share experiences, offer support, and learn from one another.
Flexibility – Online and self-paced programs offer flexibility, enabling individuals to engage in therapy at their convenience, which is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited access to in-person services.
Conclusion
Adult ADHD presents unique challenges, but with appropriate interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, individuals can lead fulfilling and productive lives. Psychologists play a crucial role in delivering CBT, guiding individuals to develop effective coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and improve overall well-being. Engaging in specialised CBT programs offers structured support, empowering adults with ADHD to navigate their daily lives more effectively.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA Publishing.
Katzman, M. A., Bilkey, T. S., Chokka, P., Fallu, A., & Klassen, L. J. (2017). Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: Clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC Psychiatry, 17(1), 302. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1463-3
Safren, S. A., Sprich, S. E., Perlman, C. A., & Otto, M. W. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86(7), 590-600. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000325
Young, S., Asherson, P., & Adamou, M. (2020). Cognitive behavioural therapy for ADHD in adults: A review of recent randomized controlled trials. European Psychiatry, 63(1), e11. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.11
Note: This article has been written by Elaine Collins, Registered Psycholgist at Brain Training Australia who integrated evidence-based research and clinical insights to highlight the to provide a comprehensive guide on how psychologists support adults with ADHD through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She explores the symptoms and types of ADHD, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis, and why psychiatrists may recommend an ADHD psychologist (or ADHD coach). For further information on self-paced online CBT programs for adult ADHD, which have been created by Elaine Collins, please visit Brain Training Australia’s CBT for Adult ADHD.
