It may be surprising to know that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression can be present all together in a person. ADHD is mostly diagnosed in children, but adults can also be diagnosed at a later stage. It is a neurobiological condition wherein the person presents with manifestations that will affect their emotional state, actions, and ways of learning. Medical literature states that ADHD is a mental disorder that is characterized by hyperactivity, lack of attention or focus, and problems with the retention of memories. “Some adults with ADHD did not have symptoms in childhood or were not diagnosed. So ADHD in adults may go undetected,” Joel L. Young, M.D. says.

Depression, on the other hand, is defined as a low emotional state that is characterized by a feeling of hopelessness, persistent sadness, and frustration over simple things. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. adds, “Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. “With this definition, you might ask: how would an adult with ADHD feel depressed at the same time?

A study from the University of Chicago revealed that children who were diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to experience depression when they reach the adolescent and adulthood stages. In the article by Dr. Bill Dodson, Depression: When It’s More Than A Symptom Of ADHD, he explained that persons with ADHD experience reactive depression and are not really a full-blown case of clinical depression. Reactive or secondary depression can happen in ADHD individuals as a result of frustration and difficulty coping with their symptoms and trying to adapt and fit in with the rest of the world.

Case study

Marie, 24 years old, was diagnosed with ADHD when she was only three. Visits to psychologists and psychiatrists are just a normal thing for her since then. Her ongoing sessions have helped her overcome and manage her ADHD symptoms as she continued through school. Eventually, she finished college. Now that she is working, things are rather different and she is having a hard time finding the right reasons for her recent depression.

“I don’t know why I can’t keep my job. This is my third job in a span of six months and I am not finding it relevant either. I feel lost.”

The recent change of work life environment is what overwhelms Marie. Before, she was used to a controlled and compact way of living wherein she was comfortable for a long time. Attending college may have offered some stressful situations but if compared with the “real world” to which she is exposed to now, the varying degrees of stress and demands of living are just too much to handle.

How to handle depression

Adults with ADHD are encouraged to continue treatment for their underlying condition. Depressive states can be addressed through conservative methods at first. “Depression is easier to treat the earlier it is caught,” David Brendel, MD, PhD. However, if things get worse, some medications can be prescribed.

The following are recommended strategies to handle depression:

• Allow yourself a timeout. If things are really very stressful, take a break and go somewhere relaxing. Just being away from the source of the depression can help rejuvenate and be renewed.
• Try to know more about depression and ADHD. Awareness about your condition and what you are going through can ease the burden of handling and managing the symptoms of both mental illnesses.
• Track down your depression, noting what the trigger factors are and what things you are doing can help you regain your usual self. You can also start journaling.
• Allow others into your life. Sometimes, individuals having depression shut themselves off from the rest of the world and sulk. Talk to someone about your feelings. Venting out and just speaking with others can alleviate the depression.
• Pamper yourself. When you are feeling blue, try going to a spa or getting a whole-body massage to relax.
• Don’t neglect eating right and eating on time. Get adequate sleep and enough exercise. Proper nutrition, rest, and enough activity will help regulate the release of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain that can affect your emotional state.
• Don’t forget to consult your doctor if things continue to be depressing and difficult for you.

Find out more about other ways to handle depression by checking BetterHelp. They are an online portal providing counseling services to help people address mental health issues.

One of the most overlooked aspects of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the sleeping disturbances caused about by the condition. Recent research confirms that it doesn’t go away during bedtime.

Continue reading “Common Sleep Disorders Connected With ADHD”

 

 

Introduction

A confusing symptom of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is hyperfocus, the ability to focus on a single activity for hours. ADHD sufferers, whilst unable to concentrate in class, often have the ability to concentrate intently on activities that interest them. Hyperfocus is not listed in the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD and is very different from the other symptoms of ADHD.

 

ADHD sufferers often become so focused that they become oblivious to the world around them. This focus is narrower and more powerful than normal concentration and can be described as fixated. Once these people focus on a single activity, they find it difficult to shift their attention to another activity. They are drawn to activities such as computer games that offer instant feedback and gratification. ADHD sufferers have an unregulated attention system rather than just a short attention span, their attention settling on either end of the attention spectrum.

 

Some experts believe that hyper-focus may be a coping mechanism that sufferers use to overcome their inattention. Some people are able to channel hyper focus into getting dull tasks done, some even making successful careers by channeling this focus into their work. Unfortunately, hyperfocus is more often a liability. Children are likely to channel hyper focus into entertaining pastimes rather than into school work, combine this with poor time management and problems with socializing and the child could spend an inordinate amount of time playing computer games or other solitary activities.

Continue reading “ADHD – Harnessing Hyper focus For Positive Results”

 

Introduction

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is biological in origin. It is caused by a dysfunction in the transmission of information to the brain, which results in the disruption of the brain’s executive function. The symptoms can also be affected by the environmental factors and the sufferer’s own emotional health. Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression are common among people who have been diagnosed with ADHD.  This is sometimes due to emotional frustrations caused by the symptoms. In children with ADHD, the most common coexisting conditions are behavioral disorders – oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. In adults, it is depression and anxiety.

Adult ADHD was only recognized in the 1970s. Until then, it was believed that the symptoms would clear as the child grew up. It is estimated that 4.4% of adults in the United States have ADHD. The presence of a coexisting condition will increase the impact of ADHD. As the child with ADHD grows, so does the probability of a coexisting condition appearing. By the time that he has reached adulthood, he will have up to 70% chance of suffering from a co-existing condition. As children grow into adults, there is often a reduction in observable symptoms.

“An intriguing study by a team of researchers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom found that ADHD may be caused by “structural differences in the brain’s gray matter.” Samoon Ahmad M.D. tells.

Continue reading “ADHD – Adult Mood Disorder”

Each of us is entitled to form or build an affectionate relationship that will inspire, help, and function successfully in our own endeavors. As the song goes, “Love will keep us alive…”

But for a person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), forming a relationship, or even maintaining one, can be challenging in many ways.

Continue reading “Being In Love And With ADHD”

Imagine waking up in the morning and realizing that you have many things to do but cannot ultimately plan and work on it. It cripples you!

This may sound like a typical adult who is being bombarded with deadlines at work, a pestering boss, children whining at home, or just having a bad day. For a normal individual, one can easily identify which of these critical points can be addressed immediately and then move on to the next until most of the concerns are being handled. That’s life according to us.

Continue reading “What Is Life With ADHD?”

You are a young, rich and successful Chief Executive Officer in one of the highly thriving companies in the Metro. No doubt about it: you can have everything that you need and want – the things that ordinary people can only dream of owning.

. Yes, you’re very lucky.

Upon arriving at the office, you receive news that will change the way you live and the way you look at life… at least temporarily. The company that you are working for was sold to a rival company, and unfortunately, it is owned by your previous fling, whom you have not spoken with in ages. Right then and there, you knew that it would be the start of the downward spiral. Continue reading “DOWN But Not OUT”

Introduction

Up to 78% of children with attention and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will carry the symptoms into adulthood, and up to 50% of these adults will have debilitating symptoms. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may decrease in adulthood, but problems with executive function and inattention often remain.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult, as ADHD presents with symptoms that are similar to bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Adults with the disorder tend to struggle with higher education, and unless they have fast-paced jobs that involve risk-taking or outgoing communication, they may struggle to remain in employment. These people also tend to have a lot more problems with relationships, higher divorce rates, traffic violations, and substance abuse problems. Adults with ADHD have a high risk of having children with ADHD.

 

Continue reading “Attention Deficit And Hyperactivity Disorder In Adults”

Many people see ADHD as a diagnosis needing treatment. However, many pieces of research and anecdotes from individual studies have proven that people with this condition can become successful entrepreneurs. They can turn their symptoms into strengths by just changing their mindset in order to create and build a venture.

Continue reading “Entrepreneurial Advantages of People with ADHD”