Child-Development-Guide.com is undergoing a major new transition.
Please bear with us while we try our best to give you an easy navigation through
the site.
ADHD and Depression
ADHD and Depression By Mary Asomah...
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 a 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 and depression can sometimes go hand-in hand. The risk for an ADHD child to develop
depression is up to 3 times greater than children who don't have ADHD.
What Children Say About ADHD and Depression
Depression can be hard to identify in children, as it is much harder to identify a child's feelings than their
outward behaviours.
But children suffering from ADHD and 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 a child eats, sleeps, feels about themselves, and thinks about situations.
Signs of ADHD and Depression in Children
A child who is battling both ADHD and depression 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.
A child with ADHD and depression may start putting themselves down and withdraw completely from social situations.
The child may also complain of having sleep disturbances.
ADHD and Depression: Beyond Demoralization
Children battling ADHD and 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 and 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 and 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 and depression.
Children who do not receive treatment for their ADHD and depression can suffer from symptoms for years, but
appropriate treatment can help most children who suffer from ADHD and depression.
