How to monitor mood changes while treating ADHD? 

Monitoring mood is an important part of treating ADHD, especially when anxiety or depression also affect emotional wellbeing. Both the NHS ADHD treatment guidance and the NICE ADHD guideline (NG87) explain that emotional changes should be reviewed regularly, particularly during medication titration. Keeping track of mood helps clinicians understand how treatment is working, identify early signs of emerging difficulties, and adjust care safely. 

How mood monitoring fits into ADHD treatment 

Mood monitoring begins as soon as ADHD medication is started or adjusted. NHS guidance recommends routine check-ins on sleep, appetite, irritability, anxiety levels, and overall functioning at each review, as these can shift in the early stages of treatment. NICE NG87 also advises health professionals to look for new or worsening emotional symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety or low mood, throughout follow-up appointments. This applies to children, adolescents, and adults. 

What to track during medication changes 

During titration of stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, or non-stimulants such as atomoxetine or guanfacine, clinicians pay close attention to emotional patterns. People are often encouraged to use simple tools such as mood diaries, sleep logs, or behaviour journals to help identify whether improvements or side effects are emerging. The Royal College of Psychiatrists notes that these records can make reviews more accurate and can be especially helpful when anxiety or depression are also present.  

Red flags and when to seek help 

Some emotional changes need timely clinical attention. Sudden mood deterioration, new symptoms of depression, persistent irritability, or significant changes in sleep and appetite should prompt an early review rather than waiting for the next routine appointment. NICE NG87 states that significant emotional changes should trigger assessment for possible coexisting mental health conditions and may require referral to a specialist team. The NHS also encourages seeking help promptly through primary care or mental health services if there are concerns about worsening mood. 

Key takeaway 

Monitoring mood is an essential part of ADHD treatment and helps ensure medication and therapy remain safe and effective. Keeping simple records, using validated scales, and attending regular reviews support early detection of emotional changes. When used alongside guidance from the NHS and NICE, consistent mood monitoring helps people manage ADHD more confidently, particularly when anxiety or depression also play a role. 

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.