ADHD Depression Overview
ADHD and Depression are a constant in the lives of many American Adults. At least 2 million children are affected with ADHD/ADD and two thirds of people who experience ADHD as a child will continue to suffer from the disorder as an adult. More than 1 out of every 4 adults with adult ADHD also has depression.
Children with ADHD are also more likely than non-ADHD sufferers to develop depression as adults.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is thought to be a chemical problem in the management and organizational areas of the brain involving the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. It is commonly diagnosed in children but one statistical survey has estimated that as many as 4 percent of American adults may continue to suffer from the disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD may include disorganized thinking, inability to complete tasks, difficulty sitting still, procrastination, impulsivity, difficulty concentrating and lack of organizational skills. Persons with ADHD are more likely to exhibit compulsive behavior including an increased prevalence of crime.
About Depression
Depression is a chemical problem in the mood centers of the brain involving the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine with some activity fromdopamine. Depression affects as many as 20 million Americans. Symptoms of depression include lack of energy, loss of enjoyment of normal activities, pervasive sadness, crying spells, clouded thinking and may progress to generalized pain or suicidal thoughts.
About ADHD Depression
Though research has shown that depression in persons with ADHD is not caused by ADHD but the two conditions often arise in the same individual. Developing in childhood, ADHD often causes feelings of worthlessness which may stretch into adulthood, contributing to depression. Comorbidity or the existence of both ADHD and depression increase the chance that ADHD symptoms will continue into adulthood and not resolve as some cases of ADD do.
Recurrent depression is also more common in adults with ADD than those without the disorder. ADHD depression may certainly increase the risk of risk taking and dangerous behaviors such as aggressive behavior, crime committal and suicide. Depression can also be an intermittent side effect of ADHD medication such as stimulants. Stimulant medication and the effects of ADHD may occasionally mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of manic depressive illness or bipolar disorder. ADHD depression also carries a higher risk of suicide than other depression disorders.
The symptoms of the two disorders may overlap or may act in opposition which can make it difficult for diagnosis and treatment. Some physicians will attempt to treat the depression first, however with most mental disorders which are existing simultaneously; both conditions must be treated at the same time in order to keep either condition under control. Other coexisting conditions such as substance abuse, anxiety disorder and personality disorders may cause additional difficulty with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
