How Adult ADHD and Depression Are Linked

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), being a neurodevelopmental disorder, is something that starts at an early age and continues to impact individuals throughout their lives. Individuals with ADHD often experience challenges known as executive function deficits. These deficits can manifest as difficulties in staying focused, completing tasks, and staying organized, leading to missed appointments and lost belongings.

ADHD, commonly detected during childhood (but not always), can be classified into three distinct presentations:

Inattentive

Individuals with inattentive ADHD experience challenges when it comes to maintaining focus on tasks that are not engaging. They may struggle with organizing their thoughts and keeping up with conversations. Additionally, they can be easily distracted by external stimuli or their own inner thoughts.

Hyperactive-Impulsive

Individuals with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD experience a persistent sense of restlessness, often speaking impulsively without prior thought. They may struggle to remain still, making it challenging for them to sit attentively during meetings.

Both Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive

People who have a combination of ADHD symptoms, including both inattentiveness and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, may face unique challenges.

Depression is a complex mental health condition that goes beyond mere sadness or temporary low moods. It’s important to acknowledge that it can manifest as recurrent episodes, persisting for weeks, months, or even longer periods of time.

Common Symptoms:

• Experiencing emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, or a deep sense of emptiness.
• Experiencing irritability, frustration, or restlessness.
• Loss of enthusiasm for activities that once brought joy. 
• Difficulty maintaining focus during work or any other activities including driving and reading.
• Under or overeating.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Experiencing an overwhelming sense of exhaustion or fatigue.

Extensive research has found a compelling connection between individuals who experienced ADHD during childhood and their increased vulnerability to developing depression later in life. It’s worth noting that in some cases, ADHD and depression may coincidentally coexist, further emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing both conditions. Depression can stem from various causes and risk factors unrelated to ADHD, including a family history of depression or physical illnesses. However, it’s worth noting that in certain cases, ADHD may play a role in the onset of depression. ADHD may increase your likelihood of experiencing depression in a few ways:

• Low self-esteem and negative self-image due to ADHD: People with ADHD are more likely to have a negative self-image and lower self-esteem.
• ADHD affecting work and school: ADHD symptoms can cause a person to struggle with school or work performance. This can make the individual feel like they’ve failed to meet expectations and goals. They may also face problems with their grades or find it harder to land and maintain a job.
• Symptoms causing difficulty in relationships: Maintaining healthy relationships may be challenging for some people with ADHD. ADHD symptoms can make it more difficult to communicate effectively, read body language, and fit in.

Depression can stem from various challenges in life, such as work, academics, and relationships. This can be particularly frustrating and distressing for individuals with undiagnosed ADHD who constantly face difficulties in these areas.

Studies show that individuals with ADHD are four times more likely to experience depression. This risk becomes even more significant for those with hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, who are also at a higher risk of suicide.

Fascinating research has uncovered an intriguing connection between these two disorders. It appears that the severity of ADHD symptoms directly correlates with the severity of depression symptoms. This finding sheds light on how closely intertwined these conditions can be, further emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing both in a comprehensive manner.

One plausible explanation for this behavior is that individuals with ADHD tend to rely more on avoidant coping strategies. Instead of confronting or resolving stressful and challenging tasks, they often choose to avoid them altogether. This tendency may stem from the difficulties they face in managing their attention and impulsivity.

Neglecting problems and allowing them to worsen can have a detrimental impact not only on our daily lives but also on our mental well-being. This may lead to more severe symptoms of depression, making it crucial to address and resolve issues as they arise.

If you feel you may be suffering from any of these symptoms, seek help. There are several treatments available. CONTACT US today to learn more about how we can help you reclaim your mental health.