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If you are dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you may be surprised to find out that ADHD and depression often go together. These disorders are both very common and they often occur together in childhood and continue to affect individuals as they become adults. Although depression and ADHD are both separate conditions, they are known to occur together quite often. Studies actually show that 30% of people dealing with ADHD are also dealing with depression. For children that have ADHD, the likelihood of dealing with depression is even greater than that of adults. Even if you are dealing with a combination of these disorders, you need to know that both can be treated with medications, behavioral therapies, and even alternative treatments. Understanding the Two Disorders It's important that both of these disorders are understood if you think you may be dealing with both. Recently, ADHD has become well known with all the media coverage there has been on it. Some of the symptoms that come along with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include problems sitting still, acting without thought, and the inability to focus. In many cases, the symptoms are seen as early as preschool and they can continue throughout childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood as well. Lack of treatment can be devastating for children, causing social problems and the inability to do well at work or school. It can even lead to emotional problems or low self esteem. When it comes to depression, this illness involves the thoughts, mood, and the body. It can affect the way someone thinks, they way they feel about themselves, and even the way they sleep and eat. It's important to realize that depression is more than just a low mood. The condition cannot be willed away and it is not a sign of weakness. Some of the signs of depression may include suicidal thoughts, feeling helpless or sad persistently, and feeling irritable or restless. Patients don't always have these specific symptoms. Some may have only a few symptoms while others may deal with many different symptoms of depression. The Difference Between Depression and ADHD Now that you understand a bit more about ADHD and depression, it's important that you also understand the differences between them. Many parents find themselves having a tough time differentiating between symptoms of ADHD and symptoms of depression. Here is a look at the symptoms of depress that are not symptoms of ADHD. - Problems sleeping - Suicidal thoughts or death thoughts - Talking very slowly - Fatigue and decrease in energy - Weigh gain or loss - Fear that bad things will occur - Losing interested in activities originally enjoyed - Depressed overall mood It is also important to know the symptoms of ADHD that are not usually seen with depression. Here are a few of those symptoms: - Feeling anxious - Being out of control - Problems with disorganization - Feelings of being overwhelmed What Can Be Done? You may be wondering what can be done if you are dealing with both ADHD and depression. The good news is that there are treatment answers that can help you to deal with both of the problems. Here is a look at some of the steps you can take if you or your child is dealing with a combination of these disorders. - Ensure ADHD is Treated - The first thing you should do if you are suffering from both depression and ADHD is to make sure you have your ADHD treated. Often depression is fueled by problems with ADHD, so addressing and treating this problem may be able to effectively control both disorders. - Stay Positive About Improvement - It is also essential that you stay positive about improvement. Once you begin getting the proper treatment, life is going to get better. Start allowing your self to be optimistic about the future, which is something that depression often takes away from you. Don't allow the depression to control you. - Take Action - Although depression can leave you feeling little motivation, you still need to make sure that you take action. Take action to get treated for your problems. Take action every day to do things even when you don't feel like getting out of bed. As you take action, you may find that just doing something can help you feel better. - Consider Natural Treatments - While you should see a doctor for your problems with ADHD and your depression problem, you should give natural treatments some consideration as well. If you're dealing with both of these disorders, you may find yourself looking for something that will make a difference and improve the way you feel. Good alternative treatments are available for ADHD that can help relive the symptoms, which should in turn help treat the problem with depression as well. RESOURCE BOX: ADHD and depression can occur together, but there are treatment options available. To find out about quality alternative treatments that can offer relief, V K Rajagopalan can offer you more information at his website at http://www.adhd-treatment-info.com/.
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