Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can manifest in adults. Adults with the condition generally display more of the inattentive symptoms rather than the hyperactive-impulsive symptoms that tend to be appear more in children. Although ADHD does not cause depression, it can contribute to its development when an adult expereinces the repeated pattern of failures and frustrations that tend to occur for a person living with ADHD. For this reason, depression is common among adults with ADHD, reports MayoClinic.com.
Basics
Adults who experience ADHD most likely experienced ADHD as a child even if they never received a diagnosis, reports National Alliance on Mental Illness. ADHD may cause self-doubt and low self-esteem that may allow depression symptoms to manifest.
Signs and Symptoms
According to HelpGuide.org, the symptoms of ADHD in an adult can depend on the individual, but may include an extreme distractibility, struggling to complete tasks, inability to maintain focus, overlooking details, poor listening skills; inability to implement or maintain organization, forgetting appointments, losing track of time, having poor self-control, acting recklessly, being inappropriate in social situations, talking excessively and being restless.
When an adult has depression in addition to ADHD,r symptoms could include fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, feelings of hopelessness, inability to find pleasure, change in sleep patterns and appetite, intense feeling of sadness and thoughts of suicide.
Treatment
According to the MayoClinic.com, the most effective treatment for Adult ADHD with depression is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Stimulants are usually used to treat the symptoms of ADHD, and antidepressants are chosen to reduce depression symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used to effectively treat both ADHD and depression. The MayoClinic.com reports that cognitive-behavioral therapy helps adults learn specific skills to help control their behaviors and challenge their negative thinking patterns by transforming them into more positive thoughts.
Considerations
It is important to remember that with any mental health disorder, especially depression, there is a risk of suicide. Be sure to pay attention to any thoughts of death, giving things away, reducing interaction with family or friends, increases in high-risk behaviors and talking about the desire to die. If you suspect a person may be considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or take the person or yourself to the closest emergency room to receive a full psychological evaluation.
Solutions
There are changes that can be made to a person’s lifestyle that will help them better deal with their symptoms of ADHD, which will improve the way they feel about themselves and reduce their depression. For example, adults with ADHD and depression can turn to behavioral coaches. HelpGuide.org reports that a behavioral coach will help find practical solutions to everyday problems. These coaches focus on prioritizing, motivation, time management and reducing procrastination. Adults can also work with a professional organizer to help them get organized, remain organized, reduce stress, streamline work, create a schedule and set up systems to effectively deal with paperwork, notes HelpGuide.org.
