Do I Have Depression or ADHD?
While attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression are separate mental disorders they often exist as comorbid or co-occurring conditions, meaning you can have both at the same time. Experts estimate that approximately 47 percent of adults with ADHD also have clinical depression. More than half of people who have ADHD will get treatment for depression at some point in their lives. Further, 70% of people diagnosed with ADHD may also experience depression in their lifetime.
Some symptoms of ADHD and depression are a lot alike, and that can make it tough to diagnose and treat those conditions. Before we start to understand the complex relationship between ADHD and depression, it's important to understand individually what is involved with each diagnosis.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just occasionally feeling sad. Depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is the deep sadness and despair you feel every day for at least 2 weeks at a time. Symptoms of depression can make it hard to function in work, school, relationships, and completing activities of daily living (sleeping, eating, etc).
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. Here are the symptoms of depression:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood or irritability
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Decreased energy or fatigue
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
What is ADHD?
ADHD is brain-based disorder, that it is present from childhood and persists throughout lifetime. People diagnosed with ADHD exhibit deficits in executive functioning. Executive function problems can include problems with following tasks through to completion, becoming disorganized, missing appointments or obligations and losing things.
People with inattentive ADHD have difficulty sustaining attention for tasks that they find boring, have trouble organizing their thoughts and following conversations, and may be easily distracted by what's going on around them or their internal dialogue. People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a constant feeling of being restless, may say things spontaneously without thinking first, and find it hard to stay still.
Depression and ADHD have many of the same symptoms like trouble with focus, sitting still, feeling restless, difficulty concentrating and remembering, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness, and guilt are also similar to both ADHD and depression.
ADHD can create a personal environment that makes depression more likely, especially if there is difficulty in managing symptoms of ADHD. Children may have trouble getting along in school or with playmates, or adults may have issues at work or in relationships. This problem can lead to a negative self-image, low self-esteem, strong feelings of sadness, loneliness, and a lack of interest in life activities. These strong feelings can cause depression, or secondary depression, depression that is triggered by the frustrations of coping with symptoms of ADHD, especially if the ADHD is untreated.
When treating both ADHD and depression, symptoms of both must be taken into account. Depression, even in the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Treatment types can include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, medication, group therapy, or support groups. The goals of therapy include decreasing symptoms of ADHD and depression. In addition to treatment, creating a healthier lifestyle promotes brain health and helps combat the symptoms of ADHD and depression.
A healthier lifestyle incorporates improvements that in themselves can create improvements in ADHD and depression symptoms. Improving sleep quality and amount by creating a regular sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can have enormous impacts on emotional regulation and distractibility. Eating a healthy diet by eliminating sugary and processed foods and adding whole foods can help decrease symptoms of depression and ADHD. Exercising helps with cognitive function and symptoms of hyperactivity and restlessness. while promoting healthy sleep and stress reduction. In rounding out this lifestyle list, practicing mindfulness and meditation should be considered, as both activities have been found to improve ADHD symptoms and emotion regulation.
There is Hope For You
Getting an official ADHD diagnosis and treatment isn't just about managing symptoms; it's about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, unlocking your potential, and finding acceptance and support within a community that shares your experiences. It's a powerful first step towards building a life that feels manageable, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.
Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in ADHD Evaluations and ADHD Treatment. We have locations in New York and New Jersey and perform thorough and professional ADHD testing and therapy in-person and online. If you are newly diagnosed with ADHD or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.
