The link between Depression and ADHD

As you know (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition. It can affect your emotions, behavior, and ways of learning. People with ADHD are often diagnosed as children, and many continue to show symptoms into adulthood. If you have ADHD, you can take steps to manage it. Your doctor may prescribe medications, behavioral therapy, counseling, or other treatments.
A disproportionate number of children and adults with ADHD also experience depression. For example, researchers from the University of Chicago have found that adolescents with ADHD are 10 times more likely to develop depression than those without ADHD. Depression can also affect adults with ADHD.

 How common is depression among people who have ADHD?

Very. Some estimates claim that up to 70% of ADHD people will be treated for depression at some point in their life. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that nearly half of all children with ADHD also suffer from conditions such as depression, learning disabilities and anxiety disorders.
Does depression tend to run in families?
Yes. Research conducted by the University of Western Australia found that mothers of ADHD children were more likely to experience depression. Alcoholism, substance abuse disorders, nervous breakdowns, learning disabilities and ADHD were also more common among this group of mothers.
What are the symptoms of depression?
If five or more of the following symptoms have been present in either you or someone you know for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor about the possibility of depression being present. Keep in mind that these symptoms could indicate a medical condition other than depression. To qualify for diagnosis, there must be no reasonable explanation, such as divorce, death of a loved one, or other traumatic event that could be affecting the individual.

• Feelings of sadness and/or irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities normally enjoyed
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Changes in sleeping pattern
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
• Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
• Constant fatigue or loss of energy
• Observable restlessness or decreased activity
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death

In addition, look for at least three of the following symptoms, which could indicate the manic phase of manic-depression:

• Inflated ego, envisioning of grand schemes
• Increased energy and decreased need for sleep
• Inappropriate excitement or irritability
• Increased talking and/or moving
• Sexual promiscuity
• Disconnected and racing thoughts
• Impulsive behavior and poor judgment

How successful is treatment for depression?
Very. New medications and and a better understanding of the disorder have helped. The American Psychiatric Association says that the majority (80%-90%) of people who receive treatment experience significant improvement, and almost all individuals experience some benefit from medical care.
Does having ADHD make treatment for depression more difficult?
One could argue that having ADHD makes everything more difficult, but that's not the point. Yes, treating any comorbidity is more complex than treating a single disorder.
by ADDITUDE Editors