How Does Brain Structure and Function Affect Mood Disorders Comorbid with ADHD?

PostedAugust 19, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 4, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

ADHD brain imaging has revealed that individuals with ADHD often show structural and functional brain differences, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation, which can contribute to mood disorders. Brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, which governs executive function like decision-making, impulse control, and emotional responses, can exhibit underactivity in individuals with ADHD. This may result in issues controlling one’s emotions, raising the possibility of mood disorders like anxiety and depression, which frequently co-occur with ADHD.

ADHD in children is often associated with challenges in controlling emotions, resulting in irritability, mood swings, and frustration. Brain scans ADHD show that abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, the brain’s emotional processing centre, contribute to heightened emotional responses. These deficits in emotional regulation can trigger or worsen mood disorders in individuals with ADHD, as they may struggle to manage stress and frustration effectively.

How It Helps

Addressing brain structure and function issues in ADHD can help alleviate mood disorders.

Improved Emotional Regulation

Targeting executive function deficits through therapy or medication can enhance emotional control and reduce mood instability.

Better Stress Management

Improving brain function in areas related to decision-making and emotional responses can help individuals better manage stress and frustration, reducing the impact of mood disorders.

By addressing the underlying ADHD brain imaging findings, individuals with ADHD and comorbid mood disorders can experience improvements in both mood regulation and overall mental health.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Brain Structure and Function.

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.