Verywell / Laura Porter
Depression and ADHD are not the same thing.
However, there is often overlap between the two.
They can also occur at the same time.
Verywell / Laura Porter
At a Glance
Depression and ADHD are distinct, but they are sometimes connected.
People who have ADHD are more likely to experience depression.
What Is ADHD?
ADHDis a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it is present from childhood and persists throughout your lifetime.
It is important to note that it is considered a disability because we live in a neurotypical-oriented society.
ADHD is usually identified in childhood and can be categorized into three different presentations.
Combination of Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive
People with the combined presentation will experience both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive characteristics.
What Is Depression?
Depressionis more than just sadness or a case of the blues.
Many people experience recurrent episodes that can last anywhere from weeks to months or longer.
It is also a life-threatening illness when it is severe and leads to suicidal ideation.
Overlap of Depression and ADHD
How do depression and ADHD overlap?
This suggests a strong relationship between ADHD and depression.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Is It ADHD or Depression?
Sometimes it can be hard to tell ADHD and depression apart.
While both ADHD and depression involve issues related to mood, concentration, and motivation, they do differ.
In depression, on the other hand, these mood episodes usually first appear in the teens or later.
When you are depressed, however, doing anything at all can be incredibly hard.
Sleep
ADHD can make it feel like your mind is always “on.”
Feeling depressed also makes it hard to sleep, but that’s often due to negative thoughts and insomnia.
Depression may also cause you to wake up through the night or may sleep too long.
Course
ADHD is lifelong.
Thetraits and characteristicsmay change somewhat over time, but it doesn’t just “go away.”
It really depends on your particular situation.
In general, the approach is to work on the condition that is most impairing first.
Medications
What medications might you be prescribed?
Stimulants help to increase brain chemicals that improve focus.
However, they can have side effects such as loss of appetite or trouble sleeping.
Nonstimulants
Nonstimulants such as Strattera (atomoxetine) may also be prescribed for ADHD.
Antidepressants can take several weeks before you will know if they are working.
One study found that taking ADHD medication lowers the risk of depression by 20%.
Researchers suggest that ADHD medication may help reduce the long-term risk of depression.
One study found that adult ADHDers who received extensive psychotherapy were less likely to have ruminative thinking.
They were also more resilient to episodes of depression.
Lifestyle Changes
What can you do on your own to improve your ADHD and depression?
Another good strategy is to prevent boredom if you have ADHD, as this can worsen your mood.
This way you’ve got the option to also find something to grab your interest and alleviate boredom.
Click below to listen now.
Investigating the role of peer relationships and academic attainment.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry.
2018;22(5):497-505. doi:10.1177/1087054716636937
