What Is the Relapse Risk if Only ADHD or Depression Is Treated, but Not Both?

PostedSeptember 4, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

When ADHD or depression is treated alone, without addressing both conditions, the risk of relapse is significantly higher. ADHD and depression often occur together, and when one condition is left untreated, it can exacerbate the other. This creates a cycle where progress in treating one condition is undermined by the untreated symptoms of the other, leading to a higher likelihood of relapse risk ADHD or depression treated alone.

Incomplete treatment of either ADHD or depression can result in persistent symptoms. For example, if ADHD is untreated, emotional regulation and attention may continue to cause stress, which can worsen depression. Conversely, untreated depression may reduce motivation and worsen symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity or inattention. Addressing only one condition fails to manage the complexity of the dual diagnosis, leading to an increased chance of relapse and prolonged struggles.

How Treating Only One Condition Affects ADHD and Depression

Incomplete treatment

When incomplete treatment occurs, individuals may see temporary relief but will remain vulnerable to the full impact of both conditions, leading to setbacks.

Dual diagnosis challenges

The dual diagnosis challenges of ADHD and depression require integrated treatment to reduce the risk of relapse and improve overall mental health outcomes.

In conclusion, relapse risk ADHD or depression treated alone underscores the importance of comprehensive care that addresses both conditions simultaneously to ensure long-term recovery and stability.

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.

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.