The Link Between Depression and Unidentified ADHD

Many people may know that depression and ADHD are two completely separate mental health conditions. That being said, there is some overlap between the two.

While each condition has its own signs and symptoms that can differentiate them from one another, some signs and symptoms overlap. This can make it more difficult to recognize or treat the conditions.

Some individuals could even experience two disorders at the same time. While many of the conditions in the mental health world are separate from one another, there are links or connections between some disorders.

Let’s learn more about the link between depression and unidentified ADHD.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder. While depression is known as being sad or down, it’s much more serious than that. While everyone can experience sadness throughout their lifetime, not everyone will experience a depressive state. Depression is a type of sadness that can last for long periods and doesn’t go away on its own. It’s a feeling of emptiness or hopelessness. Depression can make it hard for someone to complete normal, daily tasks like eating meals throughout the day, going to work, or taking care of oneself.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This is a neurodevelopment disorder that can make it hard for an individual to focus on a task at hand, stay organized, and keep track of their belongings. ADHD is typically identified in childhood, but it’s a disorder that stays with someone through their adulthood. People with ADHD often show signs or symptoms of ADHD in three ways: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or through a combination of the two.

The Link Between ADHD and Depression

ADHD and depression are comorbid conditions. This means that if someone is has one of the two conditions, it’s highly likely that they may also have the other condition.

Because of the link between these two disorders, it’s challenging to tell them apart from each other. There are overlapping signs and symptoms between ADHD and depression. There are also side effects from ADHD medication that can mimic the signs and symptoms of depression.

How to Differentiate Between ADHD and Depression

ADHD and depression both involve issues relating to similar things: concentration, mood, and motivation. Here’s how you can tell if the signs and symptoms are related to ADHD or depression.

Mood

Individuals with ADHD can experience temporary changes in their mood. With depression, individuals will experience mood changes for weeks or even months. Mood changes with ADHD are typically found in childhood. Meanwhile, with depression, mood changes aren’t found until someone is a teen or adult.

Motivation

Motivation in individuals with ADHD is found when there is a high interest in a certain activity or topic. With depression, motivation can be hard to find. There will even be a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed for an individual struggling with depression.

Sleep

Changes in someone’s sleep schedule and routine are common with ADHD and depression. Individuals with ADHD have a lot of thoughts running through their head, which makes it more challenging to rest and relax, especially at nighttime. Depression can also lead to sleeping issues, but it’s mostly due to negative thoughts, unstable sleep cycles, and insomnia.

Timeline

The signs and symptoms of ADHD and depression don’t just go away on their own. That being said, the signs and symptoms of depression usually last for a certain period before they return to a state of normal functioning. ADHD, on the other hand, is a lifelong condition.

Next Steps

No matter if you’re struggling with ADHD, depression, or a combination of the two, one of the best ways for you to overcome these signs and symptoms is to seek additional support. Contact us today to see how we can help you.