ADHD and depression: what's the connection? (2023)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD involves inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of these. The difficulties involved can lead to stress, which can lead to depression.

People usually receive a diagnosis ofADHDin childhood, but sometimes a doctor doesn't diagnose it until adulthood.

ADHD impairs a person's attention span and can lead to hyperactivity and impulsive actions. The person may find it difficult to concentrate at work or school. This can lead to additional complications such as low performance, relationship difficulties and social ostracism.

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks and acts. It can produce strong feelings of sadness, loneliness and disinterest in life's activities.

People with ADHD may be more likely to develop it than othersDepressionEAnguish. One of the reasons it's important to seek treatment for ADHD is that treatment can help reduce your risk of complications like depression.

ADHD and Depression Links

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People with ADHD may be more likely than others to experience a different type of fear or anxiety.Mental healthcondition like depression.

People with ADHD are at higher risk for depressionto emphasizecreates and the challenges it faces.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite numbers that suggest this.5 percentof children in the United States have ADHD, but add that the number could be higher. About 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point.

A study published in 2015 found that among 135 children in Shanghai, China, diagnosed with ADHD42 percentalso had an anxiety disorder and 33 percent had a depressive disorder. The researchers note that other studies have put the number between 12 and 50 percent for depression and 13 to 51 percent for anxiety.

According toAnxiety and Depression Association of America, depression is common in adults with ADHD. The association assumes that about half of all children with ADHD will also experience symptoms in adulthood, and half of all adults with ADHD will also suffer from an anxiety disorder.

symptoms

Depression and ADHD may share some common symptoms, but for different reasons. Both can be accompanied by difficulties concentrating or loss of motivation.

A person with ADHD who has symptoms of inattentiveness seems to lack motivation, as they have difficulty concentrating and paying attention to details. A person with depression cannot complete a task because they feel there is no purpose.

A person with ADHD may also have trouble starting projects or keeping up with work or study.

They may find it difficult to get organized, so they lose track of what they're supposed to be doing or leave a project unfinished because they tune out, don't listen, or don't learn the material.

A person with depression may or may not be able to concentrate due to distraction.fatigue.

Sleep disturbances, mood swings and irritability areproperties of bothADHD and depression.

Self-harm, suicidal thoughts and ADHD

Aanalysisof studies published in 2014 found that people with ADHD and depression self-harm or attempt or have suicidal thoughts.

The authors cite previous findings showing an association between ADHD and attempted and completed suicide in male adolescents and young adults.suicidal behaviorand suicidal ideation in adolescent girls.

One researcher found that girls with ADHD and major depression were more likely to have suicidal thoughts than girls with just major depression.

The review also found that there may be a link between suicidal thoughts and the use of some ADHD medications. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Medication for ADHD and depression

The medications that people take for ADHD can have side effects.

Medications can make symptoms of depression worse or cause symptoms that resemble depression. This can also make it difficult to diagnose depression with ADHD.

This can make it difficult to identify and properly treat both conditions. However, ADHD is usually a lifelong disorder whereas depression can come and go.

Anyone who thinks ADHD medication may be causing depressive symptoms should seek medical advice.

ADHD and depression in children

ADHD can be challenging for children who are still developing emotionally, mentally and physically, in part because they may not understand what's going on.

Problems with behavior and self-esteem can lead to depression. Unusual behavior can lead to bullying and isolation.

Signs of depression in children with ADHD include:

• feeling very low
• Losing interest in favorite activities or withdrawing from family and friends
• Changes in sleeping and eating habits
• not getting bad grades or homework
• not attending school
• feeling hopeless, helpless, or suicidal

Depression can cause an increase in ADHD-related behaviors.

A child may start:

• live more
• be particularly inattentive
• become extremely overwhelmed and disorganized

girls with ADHDoften showdifferent symptoms from boys. They are more likely to have trouble concentrating and are less likely to show signs of hyperactivity.

A girl with ADHD and depression may isolate herself instead of taking action.

Learn more about how ADHD affects girlsin our dedicated article here.

ADHD symptoms andbipolar disordercan also overlap.

Although not very common, some children diagnosed with ADHD may actually have bipolar disorder. Depending on the type of bipolar disorder, mood swings can lead to periods of depression and periods of euphoria and hyperactivity.

Older children may want to stop taking their medications or start self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. These can lead to further complications.

ADHD and depression in adults

(Video) ADHD & Depression

Signs of depression in adults with ADHD include:

• Difficulty concentrating and staying focused
• excessive attention to an activity
• disorganization and forgetfulness
• impulsivity
• emotional difficulties, including an inability to handle emotions such as anger or frustration
• hyperactivity or restlessness

However, these can also be signs of ADHD without depression, so it can be difficult to tell if a person with ADHD has depression.

Accordinglya questionnaire, Major depression affects 18.6% of people with ADHD, compared to 7.8% of people without ADHD.

Signs of depression in adults include:

• a noticeable change in appetite or sleep patterns
• a loss of interest and pleasure in activities they used to enjoy
• Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness or guilt
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
• physical symptoms likeHeadacheor abdominal pain

To diagnose

ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because no medical, physical or genetic tests can detect it. Instead, doctors ask questions and gather information.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD.

These guidelines focus on patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

In childhood, diagnosis involves documenting the child's behavior with the involvement of parents, teachers, other school staff, and mental health specialists.

For an ADHD diagnosis, a child must demonstrate at least six specific behaviors by age 12, according to DSM-5 criteria.

For adults, the assessment includes a detailed account of the person's medical and behavioral history. Adults must meet five or more of the DSM-5 criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

ADHD and depression treatment

A doctor can prescribe medication and counseling for ADHD and ADHD with depression.

For kidsat the age of 6 yearsand for ADHD, researchers recommend behavioral therapy and medication. For children under 5, behavioral therapy should be the first line of treatment.

medicine

A doctor may prescribe:

• antidepressantsto treat depression, if present
• stimulants likeAdderalland Ritalin to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity and allow the person to focus better at school and work

Individuals can respond differently to medications, so they may need to try several combinations before finding the right one.

support a child

Parents and caregivers of children with ADHD should monitor behavior changes and look for signs of depression or another behavior or mood disorder.

There are several ways to support:

Communication with the child's class teacherallows parents and caregivers to track a child's progress and behavior in the classroom. The teacher and other educational leaders can also suggest ways in which parents can help the child learn.

structure and routinecan help a child develop organization and time management skills. Caregivers, including teachers and parents, can work with the child to create and follow a schedule and set goals.

communication with the childabout how they are feeling and what is going on in their lives will help them feel that they are not alone. It can also help parents and caregivers keep track of their child's concerns and spot early signs of depression.

Family or individual serviceit can provide a space for children and their families to express feelings and find new solutions to challenges.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)can help individuals learn how to manage their mood and stress levels. Emotional stress can lead to increased anxiety and depression.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce symptoms. This includes a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and exercise.

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ADHD and depression can sometimes coexist.

However, proper diagnosis and treatment can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of depression.