ADHD Questions
Can therapy help with anxiety in ADHD?
Charles Li, MD
April 24, 2023
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Studies have shown that therapy can specifically reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms for those with ADHD.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy and similarly designed programs have been the most commonly studied and validated therapy types.
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There is some evidence that those with anxiety and ADHD may be more likely to respond to therapy than those with only ADHD.
Anxiety is more common among those with ADHD than among the general population. Studies have estimated that around 20 to 30% of those with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder.
These include general anxiety disorder and disorders such as agoraphobia and social anxiety.
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In support of these numbers, Spencer, Biederman, and Wilens (1999) found that children with ADHD had higher rates of agoraphobia, simple phobias, separation anxiety disorders, social phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Spencer, Biederman, and Wilens
Because of this, researchers have looked specifically at potential treatments for anxiety for those with ADHD.
Anxiety and ADHD treatment in children
A comprehensive study on anxiety and ADHD treatment found that those with anxiety tended to respond well to treatment. Among the different treatments studied, researchers found that those with anxiety responded the best to a combination of medication and therapy.
The second most effective treatment was medication alone, followed by therapy
Those with anxiety responded better to therapy than those without anxiety
Anxiety as a Predictor and Outcome Variable in the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD
Therapy and anxiety types in ADHD
Anxiety covers a wide range of different symptoms and disorders.
It is completely normal to have anxiety as part of everyday life. Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most commonly recognized anxiety disorders, but there are others.
A small clinical trial examined the effect of therapy on different types of anxiety symptoms.
The study found evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy could reduce different types of anxiety symptoms. The strongest effects were seen with physical anxiety symptoms and social anxiety.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
The data above came from a specific cognitive behavioral therapy program for those with ADHD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people understand the problems that they’re facing and change the way they think about and approach problems.
Studies show CBT is highly effective for many disorders, including adult ADHD.
3 Principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Thought, Behavior, and Coping.
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown in multiple studies to reduce ADHD symptoms, even when provided alongside medication.
Patient experiences with anxiety and ADHD
Stories from those with ADHD and anxiety confirm the effectiveness of therapy for ADHD and anxiety.
Users have described the benefits of fixing unhealthy thought patterns in their lives. One user described learning new helpful skills for coping with their symptoms.
Why treating anxiety for those with ADHD matters
Anxiety and ADHD have a complicated relationship. Those with ADHD have more likely to have anxiety.
One study found that those with anxiety and ADHD had more severe ADHD symptoms.
They also had greater difficulties managing their emotions.
Key Takeaways
Based on the studies above, it is clear that therapy can help those with anxiety and ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be particularly effective.
Evidence shows that those with anxiety and ADHD may be particularly responsive to therapy. Therapy can also be provided alongside medication, further enhancing its effectiveness.
If you or your loved one suffers from anxiety and ADHD, be sure to talk to your doctor. Anxiety can affect how someone experiences ADHD and the treatments they respond to.