Other · Treatment guide

ADHD (Adult)

Persistent inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that began in childhood and impairs adult functioning.

In this guide

Overview

Adult ADHD is primarily medication-responsive (stimulants first-line). Psychotherapy is adjunctive — skills, structure, and managing the emotional impact (shame, demoralization, RSD). Coaching and CBT for adult ADHD have the strongest evidence.

First-line treatments

Also consider

  • ACT

    Values-based engagement when chronic shame and avoidance dominate.

  • DBT

    When emotion dysregulation and impulsivity are prominent.

  • CFT

    Targets the lifelong shame and self-criticism common in late-diagnosed adults.

  • MI

    For engagement and medication adherence in ambivalent clients.

Cautions

  • Therapy alone rarely outperforms medication for core symptoms — coordinate with prescriber.
  • Assess for co-occurring anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma — frequently missed.

Related tools

Related worksheets