Medication is a first line of treatment for ADHD and can be very helpful. However,
recommendations for best practice include some form of psychotherapy in addition to medication for ADHD. Psychotherapy can also be helpful for individuals who do not want to, cannot access, tolerate, or who are considered non-responders to medication.
So, it seems that psychotherapy and medication could work hand in hand. While medication treats the core symptoms of ADHD (inattention, disinhibition, and impulsivity), psychological therapy can help with learning coping skills and correcting related ailments including difficulties with:
- Disorganisation.
- Lack of planning.
- Distractibility.
- Negative thinking and pessimism.
- Self-criticism.
- Low mood, guilt, anxiety, and anger.
But does psychological therapy actually help?
The answer seems to be yes! For example, in a randomised controlled trial, Safren and the team at Massachusetts General Hospital (2005) found that adults with ADHD had
significantly lower symptoms following a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) specifically designed for ADHD. On average, people who completed their program had about a 50% reduction in their symptoms.
Imagine the impact!
In other words, their study found that after completing the program these people were:
- More organised.
- Were planning for the future.
- More focussed, and;
- Feeling much better about themselves and how they were getting on in day-to-day life.
In addition, psychotherapy has a very good side effect profile and so carries little risk.
If you would like to learn more about CBT for ADHD we would be glad to schedule some time with you either via a free 15 minute intro call, or at your next appointment.
Here as your warm and compassionate ally in mental health.
The team at SQPsych.
Last reviewed 4 July 2025