Treatment Implications for ADHD Youth with Mood and Anxiety Comorbidity

Purpose of Review: There are multiple pharmacological and psychosocial interventions that are tolerable and efficacious for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, many youth with ADHD have elevated levels of mood and anxiety symptoms that can complicate treatment. In this review, we summarize the relevant treatment studies on the treatment of youth with ADHD and comorbid anxiety or mood disorders. Recent Findings: Treatment of ADHD, specifically CNS stimulants, often translates to reduced irritability in youth with ADHD, but appears to have limited impact on other mood or anxiety symptoms. The presence of ADHD does not appear to reduce the efficacy of pharmacological treatments of mood and anxiety disorders. There is less data on the impact of ADHD on psychosocial treatments for internalizing disorders. Summary: In children with elevated levels of mood or anxiety, ADHD can be safely and effectively treated with either evidence-based pharmacological or psychosocial interventions. However, additional treatments are often needed to achieve significant improvements in other mood or anxiety symptoms.