Family therapy is a common practice in the treatment of mental health disorders because it allows the therapist and the person afflicted with the disorder to fully understand how their disorder affects those they are close to. Family therapy is a recommended treatment option for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, because the symptoms can have negative effects on relationships.
Basics
ADHD is a disorder commonly affecting people in their social relationships, work relationships and family relationships. ADHD is known to affect a person's abilities in three areas: attention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Some people possess problems in all three of these areas, while others are symptomatic in only one area.
Significance
Family therapy can have a significant positive effect on the relationships of a person with ADHD. According to HelpGuide.org, common behaviors found with ADHD, such as forgetfulness, inattentiveness and impulsiveness, can cause a breakdown in relationships. People close to the person may feel uncared for, taken for granted and not listened to. Family therapy can help members of the family be more understanding of what it is like to live with ADHD. It will also allow family members a chance to convey what they feel and how they want things to change.
Treatment
Engagement in family therapy will require effort and work from all members of the family, not just the person with ADHD. Family therapy will help address the tensions and stresses that develop from living with a person who has ADHD, notes MayoClinic.com. Also, communication skills between couples and their children will be enhanced. The person with ADHD will become more understanding of how her disorder affects everyone else. She will learn how to ask for help from others and use techniques that will help to curb some of her problems.
Considerations
When engaged in treatment for ADHD it is important to keep in mind that while family therapy can be very beneficial it cannot provide a person with everything and should not be the only form of treatment that a person engages in. Depending on the how ADHD manifests in a person will determine what other forms of treatment he uses. Some of the other treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy, social skills training, interpersonal therapy, life coaching and professional organizing.
Prevention
In order to prevent future financial problems family therapy may need to address the financial problems that can arise. A person with ADHD can have problems overspending and managing money; this can lead to huge strains within a relationship. If this is a significant problem in the relationship it is important to bring it to the attention of the family therapist right away so that it can begin to be addressed before it becomes worse.
