Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is about so much more than just inattention. It often involves significant emotional challenges that can deeply impact daily life, such as impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. Navigating the resulting intense frustration, shame, and feelings of overwhelm can be an exhausting and lonely experience.
A recent randomised pilot study by Basiri (2025), The Effects of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) on Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms of Adult ADHD, sheds powerful light on the value of DBT skills training programmes in this area.
The Transformative Power of DBT
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is widely known for building core skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. The study demonstrated notable efficacy for DBT in adults with ADHD. Researchers reported significant improvements in:
- Emotion Regulation: Participants showed an impressive improvement of 31.4% in this domain.
- Impulsivity and Hyperactivity: The training led to significant reductions, improving impulsivity by 37.4% and hyperactivity by 41%.
- Attention & Executive Function: Furthermore, some gains were observed in attention and concentration (31.8%) and executive function measures like Stroop scores (21.9%). Other measures of attention did not show any significant differences.
The researchers conclude that DBT can significantly reduce the emotional difficulties associated with adult ADHD, making it a valuable addition to existing treatment frameworks.
Implications for Practice: A Call for a Holistic Approach
The study’s “Implications for Practice” suggest a shift toward more comprehensive care. The key recommendations for clinicians, therapists, and policymakers include:
- Adjunctive Treatment: Considering DBT as a valuable additional therapy to traditional ADHD treatments like medication and CBT (which primarily address cognitive difficulties).
- Prioritising Emotional Skills: Recognising that addressing emotional dysregulation is a key aspect of effective ADHD management, as interventions like DBT that target these skills lead to meaningful improvements in overall functioning.
- Holistic View: Advocating for a holistic approach that integrates interventions for both cognitive and emotional symptoms for the best outcomes.
So, by equipping adults with ADHD with targeted emotional skills, we can unlock meaningful improvements in quality of life. DBT provides an accessible pathway to navigate the emotional landscape of ADHD, making treatment more comprehensive, holistic, and ultimately, more effective.
Learn More About Our Programme
If you are struggling with emotional dysregulation and looking to build these life-changing skills, we’re here to help. At Compassionate Change, we offer a structured DBT Skills Programme designed to teach you core skills for managing emotions, handling distress, taking hold of your mind, and improving your relationships. We believe everyone deserves access to the tools for emotional well-being.
If you are interested in learning more about how our programme can support you or a loved one, please get in touch with our team and let’s discuss how we can help.
Reference
Basiri, N. (2025). The effects of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) on cognitive and emotional symptoms of adult ADHD: A randomised pilot study. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12900