Can Interpersonal Therapy Treat ADHD-Depression Together?

PostedSeptember 3, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is primarily used to treat mood disorders, but its potential to address ADHD depression has been gaining attention. Interpersonal therapy ADHD depression focuses on improving communication patterns and social relationships, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with both ADHD and depression. ADHD often leads to difficulties in relationships, emotional regulation and communication, while depression can exacerbate these challenges. By improving social skills and addressing relational issues, IPT can help individuals manage both conditions simultaneously.

The benefits of relationship therapy in treating ADHD and depression are rooted in improving emotional and interpersonal connections. IPT helps patients understand how their behaviour impacts relationships and provides tools to enhance communication, which can reduce feelings of isolation and frustration often associated with both ADHD and depression.

How Interpersonal Therapy Helps ADHD and Depression

Social skills

Through IPT, individuals with ADHD and depression can develop better social skills, which can enhance their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, reducing feelings of loneliness and increasing emotional stability.

Improved emotional regulation

By focusing on emotional connections and communication, IPT helps patients manage emotional dysregulation, a common issue in both ADHD and depression.

Interpersonal therapy ADHD depression can be an effective treatment approach, offering a comprehensive way to address the emotional and relational aspects of both conditions.

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.