While it’s primarily recognized as a disorder in children, many kids with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD, grow up to be adults with ADHD. While adults with ADHD are not likely to be sent to detention, they still have many problems, including ADHD and depression.
How does ADHD affect adults who live with it? Does ADHD have a link to depression? What’s the connection if it is?
What is ADHD?
ADHD is the initialized spelling of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder, a mental disorder (possibly genetic) usually first identified in school-aged children and is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls.
ADHD patients often have a brief attention span. Many are hyperactive or impulsive. Most kids with ADHD have concurrent conditions such as learning disorders, conduct problems, anxiety, and depression.
A mental health professional will gather information from parents, teachers, and other sources to determine if ADHD exists. They may also conduct a medical examination to rule out any other issues.
Adult ADHD
Adults can be diagnosed with ADHD, although it is often first diagnosed in children.
Around 10 million adults have ADHD. The disorder can be a significant problem in adult life.
According to an article in BMC Psychiatry, up to 80 percent of ADHD adults have at least one comorbid psychiatric condition. This can range from an Anxiety disorder to a substance use disorder to personality disorders. Comorbid disorders are when two medical conditions occur simultaneously and independently.
Most adults do not have hyperactivity, unlike children with ADHD.
Other symptoms, such as inattentiveness or impulsivity, persist. Adults may also have difficulties with executive function, which is the brain’s ability to prioritize and manage thoughts and actions.
Individuals with impaired executive function may have difficulty completing tasks and forgetting important information. This can lead to inconsistent performance at work, problems with friends and family, or other aspects of a person’s life, like driving and finances.
Depression and ADHD
Even without ADHD, adult responsibilities such as managing a family, a career, and a relationship can be challenging. But when ADHD is added to the mix, life can get even more complex and overwhelming.
Sounds stressful.
It’s not surprising that the National Comorbidity Survey found that adults with ADHD were three times more likely than other adults to develop Major Depressive Disorder.
Defines MDD as a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest.
What exactly is the cause of this increased depression risk in adults with ADHD?
It is unclear whether comorbid depressive disorders are caused by the daily struggles of people living with ADHD (such as those described above) or if there are genetic factors that increase the risk of depression.
A study in BMC Psychiatry suggests that mood disorders and ADHD are rooted in similar neurobiology. Some neuroimaging studies have shown that ADHD and psychiatric disorders share similar brain regions.
Another study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders concluded that adverse life events caused by ADHD, such as conflict with others, partly explain the relationship between ADHD and depression.
It is also possible that repeated failures or frustrations caused by the disorder may worsen depressive symptoms.
Comorbid ADHD Treatment and Depression
Although we don’t exactly know what causes ADHD and depression in adults, it is known that these signs of ADHD and depression are treatable.
What’s the best way to treat both ADHD and Depression?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and depression by a medical professional, your treatment could include coaching, behavioral, psychological, and educational interventions.
First, you should speak to your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis.
ADHD is sometimes misdiagnosed with depression. For example, people who suffer from depression may experience difficulty sleeping or eating, but these symptoms of depression can also be ADHD symptoms.
ADHD and depression can coexist. Sometimes, however, depression is the direct result of ADHD.
You can treat both ADHD and depression at the same time. You don’t have to treat the first one before treating the second. Knowing the cause of depression is essential to determine the best treatment.
If, for example, the depression was caused by problems at work or in a relationship, then managing ADHD could alleviate the underlying issue and cause the depression to dissipate.
It’s possible, however, that depression could make ADHD symptoms worse. It may be best to focus on treating depression first.
ADHD and Depression Medication
Psych stimulants can be very effective in treating ADHD, but they don’t “cure” it. ADHD medications ease symptoms only as long as they’re in your system.
Amphetamines and methylphenidate are two of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. Psych stimulants should not be prescribed to an adult with a substance abuse problem.
Stimulants may also aggravate depressive symptoms.
According to an article in the book Stat Pearls, a non-stimulant drug like Strattera (r) that is FDA-approved to treat ADHD may be an effective treatment in both of these cases. It has also been shown to work in treating treatment-resistant depression. Learn more about Strattera’s sexual side effects.
There are medications, such as Bupropion and tricyclic antidepressants which can treat depression and ADHD simultaneously. They are less effective and not as safe as stimulants.
Treatment for Comorbid Depression & ADHD
According to a recent Cognitive Therapy and Research article, people with comorbid depression and ADHD can also benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).
A study found that adults with ADHD or depression could benefit from changing dysfunctional attitudes and establishing coping strategies and coping mechanisms.
The study notes that the CBT method used to treat comorbid depressive disorders is similar to those used to treat depression, even when ADHD does not coexist.
To better understand the relationship between ADHD, depression, and treatment, more research needs to be done on the link between depression, sociality, and ADHD symptoms (such as inattentiveness or impulsivity).
Talk to a provider of psychiatry. It’s easier than ever.
ADHD and Depression: Two Peas in a Pod
ADHD is ubiquitous and usually diagnosed during childhood. It’s a disorder that persists into adulthood for many people.
There is a clear link between ADHD, depression, and other diagnoses. It’s estimated 18.6 percent of adults suffer from both ADHD and depression.
It’s still not clear whether depressive symptoms result from ADHD or if there is a genetic, neurologic correlation. (Maybe it’s both!)
There are many treatment options for ADHD. These include medication, antidepressant medications, and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Contact a professional mental health care provider if you suffer from ADHD and depression. They can determine the best treatment for you. You can schedule a Telepsychiatry assessment today using our Online Offerings.
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