Living with ADHD
30 Jan 2024
Living with ADHD: Can it Lead To Chronic Depression?
Depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may coexist. According to medical professionals, You can have both simultaneously; this is known as coexisting or comorbid conditions.
One neurological illness that makes it challenging to focus is ADHD. Those with it in children or adults may struggle to sit still, complete tasks, or remember things, appointments, or specifics.
Depression is more than just a bad mood now and then. For at least two weeks at a time, you experience intense sadness and hopelessness every day. It could be challenging to sleep, work, or go to school.
As many as thirty percent of kids with ADHD also struggle with a significant mood condition, such as depression. Furthermore, according to some specialists, over half of those who suffer from the illness will receive therapy for depression at some time in their lives.
There can be particular difficulties while dealing with persistent depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These disorders affect a person's mood and general wellbeing and their capacity to concentrate and control their attention. However, managing chronic diseases and leading a whole life is doable with the correct tactics and assistance.
Comprehending the Relationship Between Chronic Depression and ADHD:
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disease marked by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and trouble paying attention. Those who have ADHD may find it challenging to maintain organization, complete chores, and rein in their urges.
Chronic depression, sometimes referred to as chronic depressive illness, is a mood condition characterized by enduring melancholy, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. People who suffer from persistent depression could notice changes in their food, sleep issues, and a loss of interest in past interests.
Is it Depression or ADHD?
Distinguishing between depression and ADHD might be challenging at times. This is due to the fact that symptoms of ADHD and depression sometimes overlap, as well as the fact that certain ADHD drugs have side effects like appetite loss or trouble sleeping.
Although mood, motivation, and focus problems are shared by both ADHD and depression, they are not the same.
Mood Temporary mood lability, or abrupt and occasionally sharp shifts in mood, can be experienced from childhood if you have ADHD. Conversely, these mood swings typically start in adolescence or later in depression.
When someone has ADHD, these mood swings are usually transient, but when someone has depression, they last for at least a few weeks or months.
Inspiration
If you have ADHD, you are probably aware that when something piques your attention, you tend to feel motivated. But it can be quite difficult to achieve anything at all while you are depressed. You lack the drive or enthusiasm to care about anything, even if it used to pique your attention.
ADHD sleep can cause you to feel as though your mind is constantly "on." This indicates that you frequently feel like you have a ton of energy, but it might also make it harder tremendous fall asleep at night. It is also difficult to fall asleep while depressed, but this is frequently because of sleeplessness and unpleasant thoughts. You might sleep too long or wake up throughout the night if you're depressed.
ADHD persists throughout life. Although they may gradually change, the traits and qualities never "go away." Conversely, the symptoms of major depression typically subside after a while and return to a normal functional level.
Reasons for Depression in ADHD Patients
Why is it that one in three persons with ADHD also has MDD? The potential for serious depression and ADHD to co-occur is well-documented in the literature. The reason for their frequent coincidence is unknown, although it's possible that ADHD wears people out cognitively, emotionally, and physically.
The following other variables may also contribute to the increased "risk Smith's regression" observed in adult ADHD patients:
- Being a neurodiverse person in a neurotypical environment and feeling overburdened, alone, and misinterpreted
- coping day-to-day with the draining effects of ADHD
- enduring the profoundly stigmatizing aspects of severe neurological illness
- Genetics and family history
ADHD sufferers would attest that it's challenging to continuously control oneself, erecting a hundred barriers to "make sure you don't'mess up,' and attempting to keep everything together."
- Fadon't 'hat could' also increase your risk of developing depression if you have ADHD, such as:
- being a woman with an ADHD diagnosis from an early age
- possessing ADHD inattentive kind
- Being untreated for ADHD
- If your mother experienced depression when she was expecting you
Current theories about the overlap in ADHD and depression are focused on, firstly, the correlation between the neurological aspects of both conditions and, secondly, the psychological impact and stress of living in a world that's not made for your brain.
The friction that's caused by having a that is motivated differently than most people, combined with the fact that often times this difference is not well understood or attributed to other factors—you are lazy, bad, stupid, etc.—creates intense shame, low self-esteem, and difficulties in relationships, which can then lead to depression as well
It can be rather complicated to manage both chronic sadness and ADHD at times. Feelings of exhaustion, self-doubt, and frustration can be made worse by the combination of symptoms from both diseases. For those coping with these problems, simple tasks like finishing homework or sticking to a regimen can become extremely difficult.
Managing Symptoms: Although there is no known cure for chronic depression or ADHD, there are several techniques and medications that can help control symptoms and enhance quality of life. The following strategies could be helpful:
Counseling: While depression therapy may focus on recognizing and replacing negative thoughts and behaviors (which may also be useful for ADHD), ADHD psychotherapy tries to improve focus and boost self-esteem.
Medication:Medication may occasionally be recommended to treat the symptoms of persistent depression and ADHD. ADHD is frequently treated with stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, which help with focus and attention. Antidepressants, including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are frequently used to treat persistent depression to lessen depressive symptoms.
Lifestyle modifications: Changing to a healthy way of living can also help with symptoms. A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise can all assist in controlling mood and enhance general wellbeing. Furthermore, engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises can aid in lowering stress and promoting emotions of clarity and tranquillity.
Having a solid support system of friends, family, and medical experts is crucial while dealing with ADHD and persistent depression. When one needs it, support, affirmation, and helpful help can be obtained by surrounding oneself with empathetic and understanding people.
Finding Hope: Although managing chronic depression and ADHD might be difficult, it's critical to keep in mind that progress and healing are achievable. Effective symptom management and a whole life are achievable goals for those who receive the proper care, support, and self-care routines.
How Can Samarpan Help?
At Samarpan, Depression and ADHD can be effectively treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). We use CBT which assists clients in identifying harmful thought patterns and creating coping mechanisms to counter them. Furthermore, therapy can offer a safe space for examining feelings and creating constructive coping strategies.
It's critical to practice self-compassion and to acknowledge and appreciate even the little progress made. Although it's not always a straight line, obstacles are a standard path element.
In the face of hardship, one can discover hope and resilience by remaining strong and concentrating on their assets. In conclusion, managing both chronic depression and ADHD can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Through appropriate counselling, medication, lifestyle modifications, and support, people can learn to manage the intricacies of these diseases and lead purposeful, happy lives. Remind yourself that there is hope for a better future and that you are not alone.
Samarpan is a leading international standard counselling centre, which is staffed by experienced and qualified professionals from India and overseas. The counselling centre offers One to One Counselling, Intensive Outpatient Programs, Peer Support Groups, Family Support Groups, Psychological Assessments, Psychiatric Assessments and Psychiatric consultations.
Located in Churchgate, Mumbai – Samarpan caters to clients in a modern, confidential and well equipped centre – which is easily accessible. On-Line sessions can also be offered.
For information and how to book an appointment we contactable on Phone or WhatsApp on +91 81809 19090.