CBT and DBT for ADHD: How Talk Therapies Address Symptoms (w/ John Mitchell, Ph.D.)

ADDitude Magazine


Summary

The video provides a comprehensive overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for treating ADHD in adults. It delves into key concepts, therapeutic approaches, and the differences between the two modalities, emphasizing their roles in behavior therapy. Dr. John Mitchell's expertise in ADHD research and treatment is highlighted, along with insights on the effectiveness of CBT in addressing ADHD symptoms and behaviors. The discussion also touches on the benefits of combining CBT with medication for better outcomes in managing adult ADHD.


Introduction to CBT and DBT

Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and their role in treating ADHD in adults. Explanation of the differences between CBT and DBT and their relation to behavior therapy.

Dr. John Mitchell's Background

Information about Dr. John Mitchell, his role as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Duke University Medical Center, and his expertise in ADHD research and treatment.

Presentation Logistics

Instructions for the webinar participants regarding question submission, slide access, and post-event survey. Details about how questions will be addressed during the session.

Dr. Mitchell's Talk

Dr. John Mitchell's discussion on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for ADHD in adults. Explanation of key concepts and therapeutic approaches.

Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Detailed information about CBT, its focus on cognition, emotions, and behaviors, as well as the collaborative and goal-oriented nature of the therapy. Explanation of how CBT addresses ADHD symptoms and behaviors.

Example of CBT Techniques

Illustration of CBT strategies such as the ABC technique for planning, tracking progress, setting goals, and addressing automatic negative thoughts related to ADHD behaviors. Discussion on the implementation of CBT skills in daily life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Sessions

Description of a typical CBT session for adults with ADHD, including agenda setting, symptom review, skill training, and goal achievement. Mention of manuals and resources for CBT implementation.

Application of CBT Techniques

Exploration of cognitive and behavioral strategies in CBT, including thought modification, adaptive thinking, and coping card statements. Examples of addressing automatic negative thoughts and implementing behavioral changes.

Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Introduction to DBT, its background in treating Borderline Personality Disorder, and the dialectical approach of balancing acceptance and change. Explanation of how DBT targets behaviors and thoughts for individuals with ADHD.

Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Studies comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) against an active control group show improvements in ADHD symptoms with a small to moderate effect size.

Support for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The American Psychological Association recognizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment with strong research support for various psychiatric disorders.

DBT Skills Training Studies

Research on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training shows a similar improvement in ADHD symptoms as seen with CBT.

Comparison Between CBT and DBT

In some cases, there are no studies directly comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adult ADHD against DBT. CBT is more commonly found in the community.

Recap: DBT vs. CBT

DBT skills training is often done in a group setting and emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance strategies, while CBT can be done individually or in a group, with a focus on cognitive strategies.

Behavior Change in Therapy

Understanding and recognizing ADHD symptoms is crucial in therapy, but making behavioral changes can be challenging. It requires consistent implementation over time.

Length of Treatment

The duration of CBT treatment can vary, with some studies indicating positive outcomes with 12 sessions, but it may take more time for individuals to consistently implement changes in behavior.

Individual vs. Group Sessions

Both individual and group CBT sessions offer pros and cons, with group therapy providing validation and individual therapy allowing for more personalized techniques.

Follow-Through Challenges

Addressing issues of low follow-through and difficulty in starting tasks is a common focus in CBT for ADHD, with an emphasis on collaboration and support rather than criticism for incomplete tasks.

Positive vs. Adaptive Thinking

CBT emphasizes adaptive thinking over positive thinking, aiming to break ADHD-related routines that may lead to behavioral problems.

CBT and Medication

Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with medication has shown better outcomes than medication alone for adults with ADHD. CBT addresses different aspects of symptoms compared to medication alone.

Recommendation: CBT vs. DBT

DBT may be recommended for individuals with co-occurring borderline personality disorder, while CBT is more commonly available and adapted for various psychiatric disorders.

Training in CBT and DBT

Clinicians can refer to specific manuals and resources for training in CBT for ADHD, while adapting DBT skills training for ADHD may require additional effort due to limited materials.

Effectiveness in Adolescents

Studies have shown that CBT strategies can be adapted for adolescents with ADHD, demonstrating significant improvements in ADHD symptoms during adolescence.

Emotional Regulation in CBT

CBT has primarily focused on treating ADHD symptoms, while mindfulness meditation training has shown positive effects on emotion dysregulation in adults with ADHD.


FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

A: CBT focuses on cognition, emotions, and behaviors in a collaborative and goal-oriented manner, while DBT emphasizes balancing acceptance and change through a dialectical approach.

Q: How does CBT address ADHD symptoms and behaviors?

A: CBT addresses ADHD symptoms by implementing strategies such as the ABC technique for planning, tracking progress, setting goals, and modifying automatic negative thoughts related to ADHD behaviors.

Q: What are some key concepts and therapeutic approaches in CBT for adults with ADHD?

A: Key concepts in CBT for adults with ADHD include thought modification, adaptive thinking, coping card statements, and addressing automatic negative thoughts to bring about behavioral changes.

Q: What benefits can be gained from combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with medication for adults with ADHD?

A: Combining CBT with medication has shown better outcomes than medication alone for adults with ADHD, as CBT addresses different aspects of symptoms compared to medication alone.

Q: What is the role of mindfulness and acceptance strategies in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for individuals with ADHD?

A: DBT emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance strategies to target behaviors and thoughts for individuals with ADHD, particularly focusing on balancing acceptance and change.

Logo

Get your own AI Agent Today

Thousands of businesses worldwide are using Chaindesk Generative AI platform.
Don't get left behind - start building your own custom AI chatbot now!