Are clinical trials supporting CBT for ADHD? 

Yes, clinical trials CBT ADHD evidence shows that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for managing core symptoms of ADHD. These trials, particularly randomised trials, consistently demonstrate that CBT helps with inattention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. It’s especially useful when used alongside medication but has also shown standalone benefits. 

In one study involving adults on medication, those who received CBT in addition to their usual treatment experienced significant improvements in attention and reduced ADHD symptoms over 12 months. Similar study outcomes have been reported across both children and adult trials, where structured CBT programmes improved emotional control, academic performance, and time management. 

Key findings from recent randomised trials 

Combined treatment yields better results: 

 Adults with ADHD on medication showed greater gains when CBT was added to their treatment plan, including better mood regulation and reduced symptoms. 

Improvements sustained over time:  

In trials involving university students and school-age children, CBT helped build lasting routines and coping strategies that continued to deliver benefits months after therapy ended. 

Structured programmes work well: 

 Specialised CBT approaches tailored for ADHD, like those focusing on organisation or motivation often outperform generic therapy approaches in randomised trials. 

The results are clear: CBT is backed by science, with consistent study outcomes showing positive impacts across different age groups and settings. 

If you’re interested in exploring evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs, visit providers like ADHD Certify for access to CBT programmes built for ADHD. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).