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What is the Best Order to Treat ADHD and Depression Together? 

PostedSeptember 3, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 3, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

When treating both ADHD and depression, finding the right treatment sequence ADHD depression is essential for successful management. The ideal order can depend on the severity of each condition, but typically, treatment involves addressing one disorder before the other, based on which is causing the most impairment. 

In many cases, depression should be treated first, as it can significantly impact a person’s ability to focus and function in other areas of life, including managing ADHD symptoms. Once the depressive symptoms are stabilised, medication order may focus on ADHD treatment, as stimulant medications are often prescribed to address inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, in some cases, doctors may treat both conditions simultaneously, carefully monitoring for any negative interactions between medications. 

How to Approach Therapy and Treatment Planning 

Therapy planning 

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly used to treat both ADHD and depression. In ADHD treatment, CBT can help with organisation, while for depression, it addresses negative thought patterns. 

Medication considerations 

Medication for depression, such as antidepressants, may be introduced first to stabilise mood before adding ADHD medications like stimulants or non-stimulants. 

The treatment sequence ADHD depression should be tailored to each individual’s needs. Working with healthcare providers ensures that both conditions are treated effectively and with minimal side effects. 

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 - 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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