Common Misconceptions About DBT for ADHD: What You Need to Know

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, over the years, DBT has been adapted for a wide variety of mental health conditions, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite its growing use in treating ADHD, there are still many misconceptions about how DBT works and how effective it is for individuals with this condition. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the common myths about DBT for ADHD and set the record straight.

1. DBT is Just for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

One of the most widespread misconceptions about DBT is that it is only effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder. While DBT was initially developed for BPD, it has since been adapted to treat a wide range of conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. The skills learned in DBT, such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, are helpful for anyone struggling with impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty managing relationships—traits commonly associated with ADHD.

For people with ADHD, DBT offers a structured approach to managing the emotional volatility that often accompanies the condition. It helps individuals better regulate their emotions and behaviors, which can be particularly beneficial when navigating the challenges of ADHD.

2. DBT is Just a Talking Therapy

Another misconception about DBT is that it is simply a talk therapy like traditional psychotherapy. While conversation is an essential part of DBT, the therapy also includes skill-building exercises that are specifically designed to help individuals manage difficult emotions and impulsive behaviors. These skills are taught in individual therapy sessions, as well as in group sessions.

The four core skills of DBT—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—are taught through structured exercises and real-life practice. This makes DBT a highly interactive and action-oriented therapy, rather than just a forum for talking about problems.

3. DBT is Only for Severe ADHD Cases

Some believe that DBT is only useful for individuals with severe cases of ADHD. However, this is not the case. DBT can be beneficial for people with a wide range of ADHD symptoms, including those who may not have severe difficulties but still experience challenges in managing their emotions, maintaining focus, and interacting with others.

For individuals with ADHD, emotional dysregulation can manifest as frustration, impatience, and difficulty handling stress. DBT helps to address these emotional challenges by teaching techniques for staying grounded in the present moment, reducing impulsivity, and learning healthier coping mechanisms. Even individuals with mild to moderate ADHD can see significant improvements in their ability to manage their symptoms with DBT.

4. DBT Requires Intense Commitment and Isn’t Practical for ADHD

Some people hesitate to try DBT for ADHD because they believe it requires an intense commitment that may not be realistic for those with ADHD. While DBT does involve a structured commitment, it is adaptable to the individual’s needs. Therapy sessions typically occur once a week, and there may be additional group sessions. The skills learned in DBT are highly practical, offering concrete tools that individuals can use in their daily lives to improve focus, emotional regulation, and behavior.

For those with ADHD, DBT’s focus on mindfulness and behavior modification is an important advantage. The therapy helps individuals break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and teaches them to stay present and focused in the moment—skills that can be difficult for someone with ADHD to develop on their own.

5. DBT Is All About Changing Your Thoughts

While DBT does focus on modifying negative thought patterns, it is not solely about changing thoughts. DBT is about balancing acceptance and change. This is called “dialectics”—the idea that two seemingly opposite things can coexist. For people with ADHD, DBT helps individuals accept and understand their challenges while simultaneously teaching them how to change certain behaviors and improve coping skills.

Rather than focusing solely on challenging negative thoughts, DBT helps people become more aware of their emotional and physical responses in real time. This self-awareness helps individuals make better choices when faced with stressful or impulsive situations.

6. DBT is Just About Managing Emotions

While emotional regulation is a core component of DBT, it is not the only focus of the therapy. DBT also includes a strong emphasis on improving interpersonal relationships and managing distress. For individuals with ADHD, social interactions can often be challenging due to impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, or emotional outbursts. DBT’s interpersonal effectiveness skills teach strategies for improving communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships, which are essential for ADHD management.

Furthermore, the distress tolerance skills taught in DBT help individuals with ADHD cope with overwhelming situations without resorting to impulsive actions or unhealthy behaviors. These skills provide individuals with strategies to tolerate frustration, anxiety, or disappointment in healthy ways, leading to improved emotional well-being.

7. DBT Is Too Expensive or Inaccessible for Most People

Finally, there is a misconception that DBT is too expensive or difficult to access for most individuals. While it’s true that DBT can be a significant investment in terms of both time and money, many therapists and clinics offer sliding-scale fees or financial assistance. Additionally, DBT has been increasingly integrated into community health programs and online therapy platforms, making it more accessible than ever.

Many individuals with ADHD who have access to DBT find it to be a valuable investment in their mental health. The long-term benefits, including better emotional regulation, improved relationships, and decreased impulsivity, can have a profound impact on the overall quality of life.

Conclusion

DBT is a powerful and adaptable therapy that offers a wide range of benefits for individuals with ADHD. By addressing emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT provides people with the tools they need to manage the symptoms of ADHD and improve their quality of life. While there are several misconceptions about the therapy, understanding its full potential can help individuals make informed decisions about their treatment options. If you or someone you know struggles with ADHD and emotional dysregulation, consider exploring DBT as a treatment option that can make a real difference.