Although ADHD and depression are two distinct mental health challenges, very often the two conditions are intertwined. In fact, a genetic link has been discovered between childhood ADHD and later onset depression in adulthood. In this article, we explore the overlap between ADHD and depression, as well as treatment solutions for both.
About ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that individuals are born with, affecting the brain’s executive functions. The deficit in executive functioning translates to difficulty in memory, staying on task, and organization. ADHD is typically diagnosed in early childhood and often resolves by the teen years. However, in about half of these cases the ADHD carries into adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults include:
- Poor organizational skills
- Difficulty staying on task or completing projects
- Mood swings
- Forgetful
- Procrastination
- Arriving late or missing appointments or meetings
- Chronic boredom
- Easily frustrated
- Difficulty controlling anger
- Low stress tolerance
- Poor listening skills
- Easily distracted
- Substance use
- Impulsivity
- Anxiety
- Depression
About Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that affects about 21 million Americans each year. Clinical depression differs from the occasional bouts of sadness that one might experience following a difficult life event or loss. Instead of resolving, the symptoms of depression persist for two weeks or more and may even last months. Depressive disorder can potentially cause impairment in functioning, thus having a significant impact on career, relationships, family, and health.
Major depressive disorder is diagnosed when five or more of the following symptoms persist for two weeks or more:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness most of the time
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Slowed thinking and movements
- Pronounced fatigue
- Feelings of shame or guilt that aren’t warranted
- Loss of interest in your hobbies and favorite activities
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts
Risk Factors for ADHD and Comorbid Depression
You may be wondering if there are and risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing these co-occurring disorders. Indeed, researchers have identified certain factors that make a person more susceptible for ADHD and depression. These include:
- Gender. It has been found that being female increases the risk profile for developing ADHD and comorbid depression.
- Maternal history. If a child’s mother experienced depression while pregnant with them, there is an increased risk of the child having ADHD, depression, or both disorders.
- Type of ADHD. ADHD is categorized as inattentive type, hyperactive type, or combined type. Those diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD are more prone to developing depression.
- Age of onset. Research suggests that individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD in childhood have a higher risk of developing depression in adulthood. They are also at greater risk of suicide.
- Untreated ADHD. Undiagnosed or treated ADHD causes individuals to suffer the effects of the disorder, resulting in depression.
Link Between ADHD and Depression
Someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD is at increased risk of developing depression in later life. Why is this? The most common clinical explanation for this correlation is that ADHD can adversely impact daily life. There are several ways that this is experienced, such as:
- Low self-esteem
- Peer victimization
- Struggling academically
- Disrupting job performance and career advancement
- Impacting relationships
The negative effects of ADHD can become overwhelming, which could result in the depression. In fact, there is evidence that individuals who receive treatment for ADHD (medication and psychotherapy) are less prone to depression. This would be attributable to better symptom management and functioning.
In addition to the impact of living daily with ADHD, science points to a strong genetic link as an explanation for the co-occurring disorders. If the individual with ADHD has a family history of depression, that can also increase the chance for comorbid depression.
Overlapping Symptoms of ADHD and Depression
It can be challenging to properly diagnose ADHD or depression, or both as co-occurring disorders due to symptom overlap. This is the case when an individual presents with symptoms that may be among the diagnostic criteria for either disorder. The overlap in symptoms can make it hard to tell the two disorders apart.
Here are the overlapping symptoms between ADHD and depression:
- Impaired mood. In ADHD there are short-lived mood shifts, including depressive mood. With depression, the low mood may persist for weeks or months.
- Sleep problems. ADHD can make it hard to settle down and get to sleep. Depression also may cause sleep disruption.
- Trouble concentrating. Both ADHD and depression can cause difficulty in focus and concentration.
- Loss of interest. People with either ADHD or depression may complain about loss of interest in usual activities. However, with ADHD this is usually due to boredom and is transient.
Treatment for ADHD and Depression
Treatment strategies for someone with both ADHD and depression include a combination of medication, CBT psychotherapy, and mindfulness techniques.
Medication. It is often challenging to find the correct drugs that will help both disorders. Antidepressants can help reduce depression symptoms also help smooth out the mood in ADHD. Adding a non-stimulant ADHD medication can help manage the ADHD symptoms.
CBT. CBT is helpful for mood regulation, anger management, and shifting negative thoughts to positive ones.
Mindfulness. This is a type of meditation that teaches ways to pause before reacting, which can be helpful for ADHD. Mindfulness also helps depression by shifting the focus from upsetting thoughts to focusing on the delights of the present.
Strategies for Managing ADHD and Depression
There are additional ways to enhance the clinical aspects of treatment for ADHD and depression. Some daily practices that are helpful to include in your routine include:
- Improve sleep quality to optimize mood and energy levels
- Improve organizational skills to reduce stress
- Include daily exercise to boost mood and reduce stress
- Manage stress levels through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing techniques
- Eat a healthy diet to improve brain health and overall wellness
If you struggle with both ADHD and depression, know that there is help available that can significantly improve functioning and quality of life.
LifeSync Malibu Residential Mental Health Treatment Center
LifeSync Malibu offers luxury residential treatment solutions for individuals struggling with coexisting ADHD and depression. To learn more about our program, please reach out today at (866) 491-4426.
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