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Can Treating ADHD Reduce Depressive Symptoms? 

PostedSeptember 3, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

Treating ADHD can have a positive effect on ADHD treatment impact on depression. Individuals with ADHD often experience heightened frustration, low self-esteem, and emotional instability due to difficulties in managing attention, organisation, and impulse control. Addressing these ADHD symptoms through proper treatment can help reduce the emotional strain, which, in turn, may alleviate some depressive symptoms. 

Research suggests that when ADHD is treated effectively, symptom improvement can also be seen in mood regulation, as the individual is better able to focus, organise and manage stress. For example, stimulant medications and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can not only help with ADHD symptoms but may also lead to improvements in mood and emotional well-being. 

Complete your ADHD self-screening

Dual Benefits of Treating ADHD and Depression 

Improved focus and mood 

Treating ADHD can help reduce the frustration and self-criticism that often trigger depressive symptoms, leading to a noticeable improvement in both attention and mood. 

Reduction in emotional distress 

When ADHD is managed effectively, emotional instability and impulsivity can decrease, lessening the emotional toll that often contributes to depression. 

The ADHD treatment impact on depression highlights the importance of a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both conditions simultaneously. With the right support, individuals can experience dual benefits, improving their overall well-being. 

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 Depression.  

Complete your ADHD self-screening
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

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, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

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. 

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