Living Well With ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that is one of the most common disorders in children. This disorder affects around 8.4% of children, and although it tends to affect boys two or three times as frequently as girls, it can affect every age and socio-economic background. Dr. Anita B. Henley of Royal Oak Pediatricsis a board-certified pediatrician located in Marion and Abingdon, VA, that specializes in behavioral health and managing ADHD in children.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapeutic intervention that can help you and your child understand harmful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and be able to positively change them. It is usually a short-term form of therapy that focuses on one or more specific issues.

CBT is based on the understanding that emotions and thoughts play a significant role in the way people behave. For this reason, the goal of this behavioral health therapy is to help children with ADHD learn to develop skills to help them interpret and positively deal with their environment.

How is CBT Used to Treat ADHD?

For ADHD sufferers, the primary aim of CBT is to help them overcome negative emotions and behaviors, replacing them with positive coping strategies. During each CBT session, the therapist will help your child to understand how their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors are all interconnected. CBT for young children is largely done using positive reinforcement such as praise. For older children and adults, the therapist will also teach the patient techniques they can use to change the way they think and respond to different situations. CBT is particularly useful for people who are unable to take medication, or for whom medication alone is not enough.

Why is CBT so Effective for ADHD?

CBT is effective because it can help ADHD sufferers improve their concentration, attentiveness, and organization. One of the main benefits of CBT is that it works on a very practical level. It can help parents, teachers, and sufferers of ADHD learn and practice new skills and apply them to improve ADHD behaviors and situations. CBT sessions usually take 12 weeks, though some families may continue for several months.

If you live in Marion or Abingdon, VA, and you’re looking for a behavioral health expert to help you and your family live well with ADHA, contact Royal Oak Pediatrics :

• Marion - (276) 783-8183
• Abingdon - (276) 525-4603