When you find yourself struggling with different ways of thinking, extreme feelings of sadness, or a combination of both, you may wonder, is it ADHD, or is it depression? Life with ADHD and depression can be difficult to manage without self-knowledge and help, but you should not walk through it alone. This guide provides a simplified analysis of the relationship between these two conditions, their symptoms, and how one can effectively address ADHD and depression, particularly in the state of Washington and the Spokane Valley area.
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What Are ADHD and Depression?
ADHD: More Than Distraction
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. It includes having problems with focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity that are out of character or inappropriate for the age or stage of development. The National Institute of Mental Health states that in the U.S., 9.4 percent of children and 4.4 percent of adults are affected by ADHD.
There are three types of ADHD:
- Inattentive: Difficult attention, forgetfulness, or losing things.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive: Acting on impulse, disturbing other people, or being fidgety.
- Mixed: The combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
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Depression Is More Than Being Sad
Depression or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is more than feeling down occasionally. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by consistent low mood, a decrease in interests, coupled with physical symptoms such as exhaustion or adjustments in sleep. According to the estimate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.5 percent of adults have experienced depression.
Symptoms of depression involve the following.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Lack of energy or motivation
An Overlap of ADHD and Depression Diagnosis and Treatment
It is not always easy to distinguish the difference between ADHD and depression because, in both conditions, concentration, motivation, and overall functional performance may be impaired. The inability to always remain organized or meet the expectations of others can also make people with ADHD frustrated, develop low self-esteem, and even enter a period of depression.
In the meantime, the fog of depression may resemble the inattentive symptoms of ADHD, and one may experience difficulties in concentrating and finishing tasks.
The Reasons Why the Overlap Occurs
ADHD and depression are highly associated since their mechanisms are similar.
- Brain Chemistry: The conditions all concern the disproportions of such neurotransmitters as dopamine and serotonin, which oversee attention and mood.
- Long-term Stress: ADHD which goes unattended may lead to constant stress that exposes one to the risk of depression.
- Social problems: Adults with ADHD can experience relationship or employment problems, which can lead to depression.
20-30% of individuals with ADHD have depression and each problem may aggravate the other.
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FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineADHD vs Anxiety and Depression
Those diagnosed with ADHD can be mistakenly identified or cross-diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Another common psychiatric disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), similarly has more of its symptoms in common with those of ADHD, which includes restlessness as well as inability to concentrate. Nonetheless, anxiety is caused by too much worrying, and a problem with attention regulation causes ADHD.
This is the way of separating them:
- ADHD: Unable to focus on something, making rash decisions or being fidgety.
- Depression: Long-term displeasure, loss of interest in doing things, or bodily manifestations like changes in appetite.
- Anxiety: Out of control worry, racing thoughts or physical nervousness such as a racing heart.
It is possible to be misdiagnosed since anxiety and depression are common conditions accompanying ADHD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) will help an experienced clinician evaluate the symptoms carefully so that you might be correctly diagnosed and treated.
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Combined Signs of ADHD and Depression
When this happens, and there is a combination of depression and ADHD, then the symptoms may seem exaggerated. You may observe:
- Difficulty with initiation and completion of activities because of not only lack of motivation (depression) but also inattention (ADHD).
- Being overwhelmed with the hassles of everyday living, there is a tendency to become irritable or withdrawn.
- Persistent delay with or without guilt or despair.
- Substance use disorder as a coping mechanism.
In children and adolescents, the symptoms may be reflected as poor performance at school, mood swings, or defiance. At the adult stage, adults with ADHD may experience job insecurity or have poor relations which will worsen depressive symptoms.
Diagnosis: Solution to the Proper Answers
It is important to receive a correct diagnosis. A mental health professional will:
- Carry out a proper interview to get acquainted with your history and symptoms.
- Employ standardized questionnaires such as ADHD ratings or finger depression tests.
- Exclude other co-morbid clinically present conditions such as thyroid conditions or affective disorders, which are akin to ADHD or depression.
When you think of both ADHD and depression, you should find a psychiatrist or a psychologist who is experienced in both of these disorders. Effective treatment can be prolonged due to misdiagnosis, e.g, ADHD misdiagnosed as anxiety and depression.
Medication for ADHD and Depression
ADHD and depression should be treated individually. This is what has worked:
Both conditions can be helped using medications, although the type of medications used should be selected carefully so that the symptoms they produce are not harmful. For example:
- Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin): The most common type of medication used to treat ADHD, they increase concentration, but can cause anxiety in some people.
- Non-Stimulant (e.g., Atomoxetine): A safer option for the best ADHD medication for adults who have anxiety and depression.
- Antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs such as Zoloft): Aim to treat depression and anxiety, but must be monitored to prevent interactions with ADHD medication.
Never take medications on your own and always work in conjunction with a psychiatrist to figure out what works best for you.
ADHD and depression therapy is based on therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective in reframing thoughts in a negative way and developing coping skills against both disorders.
- Behavioral Coaching: Shows methods of organization and time management to practice.
- Mindfulness: Lowers stress and enhances emotional control.
Even one small change can cause a lot of difference.
- Exercise: increases dopamine and mood. Get to half an hour as often as possible.
- Sleep: Get a good night’s sleep of 7-9 hours to alleviate depressive symptoms and enhance concentration.
- Diet: Maintaining a good diet also boosts a healthy brain. Restrict sugar and processed food.
Find support in your friends and family or enter a support group. Finding others who have anxiety, ADHD, or depression can relieve loneliness.
Obstacles of untreated ADHD and Depression
Untreated ADHD and depression may result in:
- Further decline of mental health, such as severe depressive spells or generalized anxiety disorder.
- Heightened vulnerability to substance use disorder as a coping mechanism.
- Poor relationship, loss of job or academic difficulties.
- Super low self-esteem and chronic stress.
The key to breaking this cycle is early intervention and treating your disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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In what part of Spokane Valley, Washington, does one receive treatment for ADHD and depression?
We Level Up Washington in Spokane Valley has special services that include the treatment of ADHD and depression. We offer practitioners who practice evidence-based interventions such as medication management and CBT.
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Is ADHD falsely diagnosed as an anxiety or a depressive disorder?
Cases of ADHD being misdiagnosed as anxiety and depression are frequent, particularly in adults. Other symptoms, such as inattention or restlessness, may overlap; so you should consult a credentialed clinician to receive an accurate diagnosis.
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What’s the best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety and depression?
The non-stimulant meds, such as Atomoxetine or some of the antidepressants, can be safer in case an adult with ADHD has anxiety and depression as well. A psychiatrist will be able to plan according to your needs.
Let’s Get Started
You are not left alone to deal with ADHD and depression. You may be in Spokane Valley or in the surrounding area, and professional assistance is at hand. Share it by making an evaluation appointment with a mental health professional with solid expertise in mood disorders and ADHD. So you or your loved one can see clearly, have a controlled state of symptoms, and become joyful once more.
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