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ADHD And Depression In Children: Signs And Treatment

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ADHD and Depression...

As challenging as it is to battle ADHD, there are some children who also must deal with additional co-existing disorders.

Disorders that are commonly known to co-exist with ADHD include anxiety disorder, autism spectrum and depression.

It is very important, when identifying your child's specific condition, to correctly identify the disorder and any co-existing disorder, so that the best possible treatment can be given.

Studies have shown that ADHD/depression can sometimes go hand-in hand. The risk for your ADHD child to develop depression is up to 3 times greater than children who don't have ADHD.

What Children Say About ADHD/Depression

Depression can be hard to identify in children, as it is much harder to identify your child's feelings than their outward behaviours.

But children suffering from ADHD/depression describe feeling sad, anxious or empty.

They also have feelings of pessimism and hopelessness, as well as feelings of guilt, helplessness and worthlessness.

These feelings persist for more than a few weeks and are described as being extreme. The depression affects the way your child eats, sleeps, feels about themselves, and thinks about situations.

Signs of ADHD/Depression in Children

Your child who is battling both ADHD/epression may seem extremely irritable, well beyond their typical behaviour.

They may appear to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and there may be a significant change in their eating patterns... either not eating much at all, or eating considerably more.

Your child with ADHD/depression may start putting themselves down and withdraw completely from social situations. Your child may also complain of having sleep disturbances.

ADHD/Depression: Beyond Demoralization

Children battling ADHD/depression are not simply sad because of their ADHD condition.

But the day to day struggles of dealing with ADHD can be an important risk factor in developing depression.

But it is important to recognize that ADHD/depression is a distinct disorder and not just a feeling of 'demoralization'.

Treating ADHD and Depression in Children

Although there are some medical treatments for ADHD/depression, it can also be effectively treated with psychological intervention through a variety of effective therapies such as behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy and 'talk' therapy.

Some parents have also found that a change in diet... ensuring that children receive adequate nutrients and minerals, and excluding processed foods, artificial colours and dyes from a diet... has also improved symptoms of both ADHD/depression.

Children who do not receive treatment for their ADHD/depression can suffer from symptoms for years, but appropriate treatment can help most children who suffer from ADHD and depression.

Click here to learn more.

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