Q I have ADHD and I think I also have anxiety. Can both be treated together?
A ADHD and anxiety disorder co-occur in 30–50% of cases, and Korean medicine treatment can address both conditions together.
Detailed Answer
Anxiety disorder co-occurs in 30–50% of children with ADHD. ADHD medications (methylphenidate) can worsen anxiety, making treatment selection more complex when both conditions are present. Non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Korean medicine treatment may be effective in alleviating both sets of symptoms simultaneously. A concurrent psychiatric evaluation is recommended for accurate diagnosis.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, the co-occurrence of ADHD and anxiety is understood as Heart-Gallbladder Deficiency with Timidity (심담허겁) — a state in which both the Heart and Gallbladder are weakened together. At Dongjedang, we compose a combined formula using Warming the Gallbladder Decoction (온담탕) to strengthen Gallbladder Qi and calm anxiety, alongside Guipi Tang to tonify the Heart and Spleen. The strength of Korean medicine lies in addressing both anxiety and ADHD in an integrated manner within a single treatment approach.
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