ADHD and depression are two conditions that can sometimes overlap and make daily life even more complicated. ADHD affects attention and organization, while depression can affect mood and energy levels.
In this article, we help you understand the link between ADHD and depression , we discuss the symptoms, causes, impacts and treatments of depression for people with ADHD.
Understanding the link between ADHD and depression
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with increased risks of depression .
Indeed, people with ADHD frequently experience difficulties managing their emotions, which can lead to prolonged psychological distress . Furthermore, ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity and distractibility, can exacerbate personal and social frustrations, contributing to the development of depression.
A better understanding of this link allows for the implementation of effective strategies to help the individuals concerned.
Symptoms of depression in a person with ADHD
Persistent fatigue
People with both ADHD and depression often experience chronic fatigue , even after a good night's sleep. This symptom can be attributed to nights interrupted by anxious thoughts or poor emotional regulation.
Loss of motivation
Depression intensifies the lack of motivation , making it difficult to achieve goals, however simple they may be.
This loss of interest in activities once enjoyed leads to abandoning certain hobbies, such as painting or sports, because depression adds difficulties on top of the symptoms of ADHD.
The decline in motivation is exacerbated by the excessive cognitive demands of daily life.
For example, a long-awaited appointment may be cancelled due to mental exhaustion.
Decreased concentration
Depression exacerbates the tendency of ADHD to be scattered .
An employee might omit important details in a report or struggle to complete simple tasks, wasting time and negatively impacting their overall performance. This problem directly affects their productivity and increases their stress.
Irritability
People with ADHD and depression can become particularly irritable , overreacting to everyday situations. An innocent remark from a colleague or a long wait in line can trigger excessive irritability . This hypersensitivity is often a warning sign.
Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders , such as insomnia or hypersomnia, are common.
For example, a person with ADHD sometimes struggles to fall asleep because of incessant thoughts.
This lack of rest affects her mood and energy the next day, thus perpetuating the vicious cycle of depression.
Nutritional imbalance
Emotional disturbances related to ADHD can result in irregular eating behavior , including overeating or loss of appetite.
An employee may, for example, skip meals out of distraction or, conversely, comfort themselves with sugary snacks.
This imbalance tends to worsen morale and overall health.
Causes of depression in people with ADHD
Accumulation of failures or frustrations
Frequent delays, errors, or forgetfulness due to ADHD create a constant feeling of failure .
A poorly managed project at work can lead to reprimands and feelings of guilt .
In the long term, these repeated experiences can lead to depression.
Damaged self-esteem
A person with ADHD typically has low self-esteem , constantly comparing themselves to peers who seem more successful or organized.
For example, a student may feel inferior because he has more difficulty retaining his lessons than his peers.
Social and professional difficulties
ADHD often affects social and professional relationships .
Unintentional interruptions in a conversation, for example, can be perceived negatively and lead to conflict.
These regular tensions generate a feeling of loneliness and increase the risk of depression.
Chronic stress
The accumulation of obligations, coupled with a natural difficulty in managing them, creates constant stress . This stress amplifies negative thoughts and significantly affects emotional stability.
Living under regular mental pressure is a key factor in ADHD-related depression.
Mental overload
People with ADHD often juggle an overload of thoughts and tasks .
For example, a parent may feel unable to manage their household and professional responsibilities.
This mental overload is burdensome and often leads to psychological collapse .
Lack of diagnosis or appropriate treatment
Undiagnosed or poorly managed ADHD can lead to depression. Without understanding why they are experiencing certain difficulties, individuals may blame themselves excessively. This limits their ability to seek appropriate solutions.
Coexistence of ADHD and depression: what are the impacts on daily life?
Consequences on social relations
Relationships are often affected, as emotional fatigue and isolation can drive loved ones away.
A person may reject invitations and isolate themselves, thus fueling a vicious cycle of loneliness and suffering.
Isolation and anxiety
People with ADHD and depression often prefer to isolate themselves for fear of not being understood. This isolation worsens their anxiety, making it even more difficult to return to a satisfying social life.
Less effective response to treatments
A patient suffering from both ADHD and depression may respond more slowly to therapies or medications, requiring constant adjustments to achieve optimal results.
Possible treatments
Medical approach
A combined medical approach is essential.
Doctors can offer treatments to manage both ADHD symptoms and depression.
Dual diagnosis plays a key role in identifying appropriate treatments.
Regular psychological follow-up
Personalized psychological support is crucial for addressing specific emotional difficulties. A therapist can, for example, guide the gradual return to normal life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies
CBT helps patients recognize and change negative thought patterns through regular psychological follow-up.
In conclusion, by undergoing therapy, people with ADHD and depression can greatly improve their quality of life.
