The nature of ADHD itself, especially if untreated, can sometimes cause depression. All the struggles that ADHD symptoms can bring, like troubles with school, relationships, work, executive functions, and the demands of everyday life can lead people with the condition to often feel not good about themselves, making them prone to low self-esteem and negative self-concept.
Making sure that ADHD is properly managed and treated, in these cases, can be key to lifting depression. Other components of ADHD that can create the conditions for depression include:.
ADHD brains have a dysregulation of dopamine, a neurochemical responsible for motivation and implicated in reward systems and moods.
People with ADHD are not accessing the levels of dopamine that their neurotypical peers are because of this dysregulation, making motivation and reward harder to realize, and putting them at risk for not feeling their best. Individuals with ADHD can take longer to soothe from difficult emotions, and can have a harder time transitioning out of and distracting themselves out of them, all which can contribute to depression.
ADHD rarely travels alone. Certainly, ADHD plus something else can also set someone at more risk for depression. An individual with ADHD and OCD, for example, has to work through a tough combination of conditions — they may be constantly feeling tormented in their heads and ruminating about many different things that can lead them to shut down and feel helpless.
ADHD and depression are typically treated through psychotherapies, medications, or a combination of the two. Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT , for instance, has proven to be highly effective against depression. Depending on the case, treatments can also range from electroconvulsive therapy to ketamine infusions. While there are some factors medical providers consider when treating both conditions, like how ADHD medications and antidepressants may interact with one another, depression is usually treated as its own condition.
Doctors may also prescribe an antidepressant if mild to moderate depression persists, despite lifestyle changes and treatment of ADHD. It really depends on your particular situation. In general, the approach is to work on the condition that is most impairing first. While therapy can address both issues at once, often medication is prescribed for one condition and then the other. What medications might you be prescribed? Below is a list of some options you might be given:.
Stimulants help to increase brain chemicals that improve focus. However, they can have side effects such as loss of appetite or trouble sleeping. Antidepressants may be prescribed for depression including Wellbutrin bupropion , which can also help relieve symptoms of ADHD.
Antidepressants can take several weeks before you will know if they are working. Psychotherapy for ADHD aims at improving focus and building self-esteem, while therapy for depression may target identifying and replacing negative thoughts and behaviors which may also be helpful for ADHD. In one study of 77 adults with ADHD, those who had received extensive psychotherapyt and were less likely to have ruminative thinking were shown to be more resilient to episodes of depression.
What can you do on your own to improve your ADHD and depression? The basics are most important: eat healthy meals, exercise regularly aerobic exercise is important if you have ADHD , and practice good sleep hygiene. Another good strategy is to prevent yourself from becoming bored if you have ADHD, as this can worsen your mood. One way to accomplish this is to keep an "interest closet" or another spot in your home where you store activities that you can do when you are feeling bored.
Add things like books you want to read, crafts you want to do, etc. ADHD and depression tend to overlap, so it's important to consult your doctor if you believe you may have symptoms of either mental health issue. Both need to be treated swiftly to avoid secondary problems down the road; however, the prognosis is good when you receive help tailored to your individual situation. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life.
Prevalence of ADHD symptoms across clinical stages of major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. J Atten Disord. The role of adverse life events on depression in older adults with ADHD. Sherman C. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Because those with ADHD may act without fully understanding the consequences of their actions, problems can eventually overwhelm the person — which can lead to anxiety and depression.
ADHD has been linked to substance abuse, especially alcohol abuse. And, when life gets easier, self-medicating the wrong way is less likely. When substance abuse is removed from the equation, the person can follow a healthier lifestyle, improve personal relationships, and reach goals. Seeking help — such as from a skilled, caring psychiatrist — can help you stay focused and make positive choices in your life. Positive choices help reinforce healthy choices, and doors of opportunity open up.
When a person has more choices, can do more, and is reaching out to others, depression and anxiety are less likely to take hold. The reverse is also true.
Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can lead to a downward spiral of failed relationships, lost jobs, self-medicating with harmful substances, and depression. If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, contact Psy-Visions. We offer comprehensive, responsive care tailored to your individual needs. Psychiatrist Dr.
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