Is It ADHD or Depression?
Depression can strike anytime, anyplace, and affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic levels. On the other hand ADHD always starts before the age of 7 but will continue into adulthood over 50 percent of the time. It is currently estimated that about 20 million Americans currently are struggling with the symptoms of depression with around 8 million suffering from ADHD.
Tying the two together
Adults with attention deficit disorder are three times more likely to suffer from major depression, and more than seven times more likely to suffer from dysthymia, or chronic low level depression.
Researchers believe the close association between ADHD and depression is caused by similar imbalances of brain chemical messengers using the same neurobiological systems. Put simply the areas of the brain that control mood also control attention, with inattention being the primary symptom of ADHD. Another less scientific theory holds that the relationship between ADHD and depression may be a byproduct of personal and interpersonal difficulties commonly experienced by both ADHD children and adults.
Unraveling more of the mystery
Is it ADHD, depression, ADHD induced depression, or depression coexisting with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? These are certainly dizzying questions to answer, and most likely will require the help of a super duper psychological detective familiar with both conditions to find answers.
Why? Well both ADHD and depression are marked by the inability to pay attention, moodiness, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, and feelings of despair and hopelessness. Adding to the quandary is the fact that many of the medications which have been so successful over the years at controlling ADHD, such as Ritalin, may also increase the likelihood of depression.
While the similarities are numerous these are not identical conditions and there are a number of noteworthy differences. These most notable of these differences is that dark episodes of depression tend to last for long periods of time, whereas those suffering with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to experience short term depression as a result of a specific set on negative or unforeseen circumstances.
Additionally, true depression is an energy zapping event often leaving those affected severely fatigued, making it difficult to accomplish even the simplest of tasks. On the other hand those with ADHD may be full of energy, but have a great deal of trouble focusing that energy in the right direction.
What does all this mean?
While research has given us some clues, the fact of the matter is that no one really knows why those with ADHD have a tendency to be moody, irritable, depressed, and choose to see the glass half empty most of the time. The best guess scenario is that this depressive downer attitude is the result of a combination of neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain combined with an individual's emotional response to repeated failure, frustration, and disappointments in their daily lives.
What else? For those struggling with ADHD finding an effective treatment option is an important first step. The most common form of treatment currently are prescription stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse. While effective, all stimulant medications come with a number of serious label warnings. The risk of side effects, or perhaps lack of success with stimulants, has prompted many to investigate other options. A couple examples of this are behavior modification therapy and/or natural remedies. Natural remedies for ADHD are a side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, erratic behavior and hyperactivity and can be used both as a standalone treatment or as a compliment to other nonprescription alternatives.
Tying the two together
Adults with attention deficit disorder are three times more likely to suffer from major depression, and more than seven times more likely to suffer from dysthymia, or chronic low level depression.
Researchers believe the close association between ADHD and depression is caused by similar imbalances of brain chemical messengers using the same neurobiological systems. Put simply the areas of the brain that control mood also control attention, with inattention being the primary symptom of ADHD. Another less scientific theory holds that the relationship between ADHD and depression may be a byproduct of personal and interpersonal difficulties commonly experienced by both ADHD children and adults.
Unraveling more of the mystery
Is it ADHD, depression, ADHD induced depression, or depression coexisting with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? These are certainly dizzying questions to answer, and most likely will require the help of a super duper psychological detective familiar with both conditions to find answers.
Why? Well both ADHD and depression are marked by the inability to pay attention, moodiness, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, and feelings of despair and hopelessness. Adding to the quandary is the fact that many of the medications which have been so successful over the years at controlling ADHD, such as Ritalin, may also increase the likelihood of depression.
While the similarities are numerous these are not identical conditions and there are a number of noteworthy differences. These most notable of these differences is that dark episodes of depression tend to last for long periods of time, whereas those suffering with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to experience short term depression as a result of a specific set on negative or unforeseen circumstances.
Additionally, true depression is an energy zapping event often leaving those affected severely fatigued, making it difficult to accomplish even the simplest of tasks. On the other hand those with ADHD may be full of energy, but have a great deal of trouble focusing that energy in the right direction.
What does all this mean?
While research has given us some clues, the fact of the matter is that no one really knows why those with ADHD have a tendency to be moody, irritable, depressed, and choose to see the glass half empty most of the time. The best guess scenario is that this depressive downer attitude is the result of a combination of neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain combined with an individual's emotional response to repeated failure, frustration, and disappointments in their daily lives.
What else? For those struggling with ADHD finding an effective treatment option is an important first step. The most common form of treatment currently are prescription stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse. While effective, all stimulant medications come with a number of serious label warnings. The risk of side effects, or perhaps lack of success with stimulants, has prompted many to investigate other options. A couple examples of this are behavior modification therapy and/or natural remedies. Natural remedies for ADHD are a side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, erratic behavior and hyperactivity and can be used both as a standalone treatment or as a compliment to other nonprescription alternatives.
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