What therapy helps both ADHD and anxiety?

PostedNovember 19, 2025

UpdatedNovember 21, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Therapy can play a key role in managing both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. According to NHS guidance on adult ADHD, psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychoeducation are highly effective in supporting emotional regulation, focus, and anxiety reduction. Recent studies and NICE NG87 guidance confirm that therapy, often used alongside medication, helps individuals manage overlapping symptoms and develop long-term coping strategies.

Psychological therapies for ADHD and anxiety

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) remains the most widely studied and effective therapy for adults and children with both ADHD and anxiety. Research published in BMJ Mental Health and PubMed shows that CBT improves attention, organisation, emotional regulation, and anxiety control. Adapted CBT programmes, which include skills for time management and focus, are particularly beneficial for adults.

Mindfulness-based interventions and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) also help reduce stress and improve emotional awareness. The Royal College of Psychiatrists notes that Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and structured ADHD coaching can further enhance executive skills, confidence, and resilience, particularly for people with more complex presentations.

NICE and NHS guidance on combined approaches

NICE and NHS guidance recommend combining psychological and medical interventions when ADHD and anxiety occur together. For mild or moderate cases, therapy is often considered the first-line approach, while medication may be added when symptoms are severe or significantly impact daily life. The NHS Talking Therapies programme offers CBT and mindfulness-based support for adults, including adaptations for those with ADHD.

Psychoeducation, coaching, and behavioural support

Psychoeducation helps individuals and families understand ADHD and anxiety, develop coping skills, and build self-advocacy. Combined with ADHD coaching or occupational therapy, it supports goal-setting, structure, and consistency. Behavioural strategies such as establishing routines, using reminders, and breaking tasks into smaller steps are effective in managing both conditions.

Key takeaway

Therapy for ADHD and anxiety works best when it is tailored to each person’s needs. Evidence from NICE, NHS, and peer-reviewed studies shows that CBT, mindfulness, and psychoeducation can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and strengthen emotional balance. When combined with practical coaching and behavioural support, these therapies offer an empowering approach to long-term wellbeing.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.