ADHD and Depression

Download or read book ADHD and Depression written by Dr John Tyler and published by . This book was released on 2020-01-23 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder that begins in childhood. It usually persists for years and results in significant deficits in cognitive, academic and social development. it is found to occur in about 3-7% of children, and persists in 36-60% of them into adulthood for an overall adult prevalence of about 4.5%.It is found that as ADHD continues to play a major role in the individual's life, demoralization occurs to a large extent leading to comorbidities, such as substance abuse or depressive symptoms, as an effort to cope or due to internalization of the underachievement they face on a chronic basis. Many adults with ADHD did not receive adequate interventions during childhood, resulting in chronic occupational and social impairments which seriously reduce the quality of life. This adds confusion to the diagnostic features, as they may present with symptoms suggestive of anxiety or depression, but have other signs and symptoms of complicated ADHD, which has taken its own course. Overall, the occurrence of ADHD with depression is found in about 9-50% of patients.It is important to assess all patients reporting with ADHD for the co-occurrence of primary anxiety disorders or for secondary symptoms of anxiety arising due to the primary ADHD. It is also essential to discriminate between the two so that the primary condition is treated rather than the secondary symptoms. It is known that individuals with both conditions coexisting have a higher risk of suicide, poor job outcomes, and broken relationships, as well as putting a greater cost-burden on society. The distinction may be assisted by the knowledge that fixed depressive affect or suicidal ideation is rare with ADHD per se, which is usually associated with stable moods despite deficits in executive functioning.Some symptoms of ADHD and depression are a lot alike, and that can make it tough to diagnose and treat those conditions. For example, trouble with focus is one of the signs of both depression and ADHD. And if you take medicines to help with your ADHD symptoms, they may affect your sleep or eating habits both of those can be signs of depression, too. In children, hyperactivity and irritability can be symptoms of depression as well as ADHD.Also, ADHD can lead to depression when people have a hard time with their symptoms. Children may have trouble getting along in school or with playmates, or adults may have issues at work. That can lead to deep feelings of hopelessness and other signs of depression.Doctors don't know what causes either condition, but they both seem to be linked to your family history. People with depression or ADHD often have a parent or other family member who has it as well.