ADHD And Depression: Is There A Link?

A high number of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report feeling depressed sometimes, and a clinical diagnosis is not uncommon. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), adults with ADHD are more likely to have an anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or other comorbid psychiatric disorder. For this reason, some may wonder whether people with ADHD are more inclined to experience depression.

What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects a person's ability to pay attention, control their impulses, sit still, and sometimes manage their behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are three main symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Scientists aren't sure what causes ADHD. Still, they believe that a combination of brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors, including exposure to toxic chemicals during early childhood, brain injury, and low birth weight, could increase the likelihood of developing it.

Many people with this condition get an ADHD diagnosis in their youth. If you suspect your child may have ADHD, you can get them evaluated by a specialist who can make a diagnosis after administering a series of cognitive tests and observing the child in various situations. Symptoms of ADHD depend on the subtype of the condition that one is diagnosed with, but combined type ADHD generally includes the following symptoms: 

• Inattention
• Impulsiveness
• Poor planning skills
• Difficulty managing time
• Mood swings and irritability
• Lack of motivation
• Restlessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Forgetfulness

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects 17 million adults and 2.7 million children aged three to 17 in the United States. The condition is usually characterized by a loss of interest in activities or a persistently glum or pessimistic mood and can potentially cause significant impairment in daily life.

Major depression is not the same as feeling unhappy for a couple of days. Those who experience momentary pain or sadness can usually still function in their daily lives. Someone who has clinical depression or major depressive disorder might feel too sad to work, pay bills, or do other tasks that are essential to their lives. This depression can be profound, lasting, and go on for days or weeks if left untreated. Symptoms of depression can include: 

• Persistent feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness

• Fatigue

• Forgetfulness

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities 

• Trouble concentrating

• Changes in eating habits

• Substance use

How are depression and ADHD related?

At first glance, ADHD and depression might not seem to be related. If you have depression, you may feel low and not want to engage with the world or anything in it. You could withdraw and struggle to interact with anyone, even your loved ones and closest friends. Contrarily, ADHD can cause hyperactive behavior. 

The difference between ADHD and depression lies in their core symptoms: depression mainly involves persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, while difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness characterize ADHD. Still, some symptoms of depression overlap with those of ADHD, so telling them apart can be challenging. Reports suggest that anger management issues and aggression could also be present in people with major depressive disorder and ADHD.

How comorbid ADHD and depression are treated 

People with ADHD may develop depression due to a perception of inadequacy and social challenges. However, anyone can develop depression for any reason. Below are a few treatment options that may be helpful for comorbid ADHD and depression. 

Therapy

Therapy can help those diagnosed with ADHD process their emotions and overcome low self-esteem. The condition can quickly isolate one from peers and the rest of the world, which can put someone at higher risk of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that behavior therapy is an effective treatment to guide clients in improving behavior, self-control, and self-esteem. Speaking with a licensed therapist can have a positive impact on those diagnosed with ADHD and those who have risk factors for depression. 

Coaching

A coach may teach people diagnosed with ADHD new techniques to help them concentrate and manage social situations.

Having ADHD is not a life sentence. Challenging symptoms can often be healthily managed with tools. Getting out of one's headspace or changing one's way of thinking can be taught. ADHD coaches may help you in this process. If you're looking for an ADHD coach, try to get a recommendation from your doctor or search the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) resource directory.

Medication

ADHD and depression can be treated with stimulant medications and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are one family of medications that are sometimes employed. Giving stimulants to someone already perceived as hyperactive may seem to be counterintuitive. However, stimulant ADHD medications increase the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These increases can boost concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.

For individuals with ADHD and clinical depression, antidepressants might be prescribed. Antidepressants may support both ADHD symptoms and depression, as they may "level out" chemicals in the brain that could cause an unstable mood to bring someone to a new baseline or equilibrium. 

For any medications a doctor might prescribe in the case of ADHD and/or depression, a healthcare professional must monitor the situation carefully. Each person's physiology is different, and what works wonderfully for one person might not work for another. A doctor might prescribe a few different combinations of medications before the right one is discovered to treat ADHD and depression. 

Do not start, stop, or change medications without the recommendation to do so from your physician.

Combination therapy for ADHD and depression symptoms

ADHD, depression, and the behaviors associated with both are often effectively treated with a combination of medications and therapy or coaching. You might take some time before finding the proper treatment for you. However, there are hundreds of therapy modalities out there, as well as many options for support.

Can online therapy help with ADHD and depression?

Online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp can be a convenient way to get help with comorbid ADHD and depression, allowing you to meet with a licensed professional from the comfort and convenience of your home for ADHD and depression treatment. 

With these services, you can be matched quickly with a therapist. Whether you want individual therapy, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or another modality, help is available. Additionally, online therapy has been proven to be as effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and many other conditions when compared directly to its traditional counterpart.