Do you know a teen or adult with ADHD who is really sad? It may be depression In fact, 30% of people with ADHD experience a depressive episode or mood disorder in their lifetime.

Depression isn’t just an extreme sadness and loss of interest. The person stops doing normal activities as well.

Symptoms range from relatively minor to severe. Medical diagnosis says that depression results from a mix of events and factors. Teens and adults with ADHD are harder to diagnose. This is because of comorbidity (overlapping symptoms). Patients with ADHD have a 50% comorbidity, It includes anxiety, instability, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and mood disorders.

Symptoms 

Symptoms of people with ADHD are similar as a whole. Poor concentration or irritability are common. Difficulty controlling emotions is a challenge as well. 

• Low effort
• Frequent “meltdowns”
• Extremely low self-worth
• Trouble sleeping
• Risky behaviors

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. With tens of millions diagnosed, mental health ups and downs leave them alone suffering. Emotional distress can have a negative impact on their lives.

• Negative emotional factors
• Substance abuse
• Excessive worrying
• Restlessness
• Suicidal factors

Solutions for the Weary 

The goal of treatments for depression centers around decreasing the frequency and intensity of symptoms. They are rarely eliminated. Several impairments impact treatment for teens and adults with ADHD. Social interaction can have serious side effects due to causal beliefs. The stigma of negative academic and professional performance can impact them over a lifetime.

There are many ways to treat depression. About half of the patients receiving antidepressants achieve relief from depressive symptoms. Behavioral therapy often accompanies such treatments. These include learning coping strategies, building self-esteem, and integrating stress management techniques.

Incorporating healthy lifestyle adjustments help to reduce the impact of depressive symptoms, including getting adequate sleep, participating in regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet. 

ADHD brains feed on challenges and interests. Moods often darken when patients have nothing to do. Set up an “interest closet” to stash future activities (books to read, hobbies to try, friends to contact).

However, there are also non-medical techniques. Check out these options too.

• Yoga practice
• Holistic treatments
• Self-care routine
• Talk-back to self
• Seek out the sun

The connection between ADHD with depression is serious. Teens with ADHD are 10 times more likely to develop depression than their peers. It is 2.7 times more prevalent among adults. Research continues.

Do you suspect depression in a friend or relative with ADHD? How challenging is it to bring up the subject?

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