Is Depression and ADHD Related? Uncovering ADHD and Depression in Adults

When persons with ADHD struggle with their symptoms, it can cause depression. Adults may experience problems at work. Deep feelings of hopelessness and other signs of depression may result from that. Keep reading to learn how to differentiate each condition and the treatments there are.


By Editorial Team and supported by We Level Up FL, referred to as We Level Up Tamarac FL
Editor Yamilla Francese
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Updated on November 8, 2023 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts individuals of various ages, including children and adults. ADHD arises when there are developmental challenges in the growth and functioning of the brain and central nervous system. Individuals with ADHD typically exhibit a combination of three core behavioral traits: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Due to the difficulties they face in concentrating, organizing tasks, and managing restlessness, children and adults with ADHD may experience emotions such as sadness, guilt, irritability, low self-esteem, and a sense of helplessness. In certain instances, these symptoms may be indicative of depression.

According to some experts, as many as 70% of individuals with ADHD may seek treatment for depression at least once. Research conducted at the University of Chicago revealed that adolescents diagnosed with ADHD are ten times more likely to experience depression compared to their peers without an ADHD diagnosis.

What Is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that affects the brain. It makes it difficult for a person to pay attention and control their behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD affects an estimated 15 million people in America. In addition, it is more common in males than females.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes ADHD as a medically and legally treatable condition. Individuals with ADHD may have a hard time maintaining attention and finishing tasks. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can lead to unstable relationships, poor work performance, depression, and substance abuse. Proper ADHD Treatment is attainable. Therefore, early detection is a must.

It can be challenging to diagnose and treat depression and ADHD because they share many symptoms. For instance, the inability to concentrate is a symptom of both depression and ADHD.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disease that causes people to feel sad all the time and lose interest in things that used to make them happy. Additionally, it may make it hard to think, remember, eat, or sleep.

It’s normal to feel sad after going through hard things, like losing a job or getting divorced. But depression is different because it lasts for a long time—usually almost every day for at least two weeks—and has more than just sadness.

There are different kinds of depressive illnesses. The worst one is clinical depression, which is also called major depressive disorder.

If you don’t treat your feelings of depression, it can get worse and last for a long time. In the worst cases, it can even lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. There are successful treatments for depression that can make the symptoms a lot better, which is good news.

What’s the Connection Between ADHD and Depression?

Some of the signs of ADHD and depression are the same, which can make it harder to diagnose and treat. Some common signs of both sadness and ADHD are trouble focusing, for example. Additionally, medicines used to treat ADHD symptoms may change how and when people sleep and eat, which can also be signs of depression. For kids, being hyperactive and irritable can be signs of both ADHD and depression.

Additionally, ADHD can make people depressed if they have a hard time handling the problems that come with having ADHD. Kids may have problems at school or with their friends, and adults may have problems at work. Some of these problems can make people feel very hopeless and cause other signs of depression.

What are the Similarities Then?

Even though ADHD and depression are two different mental health diseases, they do have some things in common that can make it hard to tell them apart. Here are some things that both ADHD and depression have in common:

  • Difficulty with Concentration: Both ADHD and depression can involve issues with focus and concentration. In ADHD, this difficulty is a core symptom, while in depression, it can manifest as reduced cognitive function and attention.
  • Emotional Dysregulation: Individuals with both conditions may experience mood swings and emotional instability. In ADHD, this can be due to impulsive behavior, while in depression, it’s characterized by persistent sadness or irritability.
  • Executive Function Impairments: Both disorders can affect administrative functions, which are cognitive processes responsible for organization, planning, and decision-making. Individuals with ADHD and depression may struggle with these abilities.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping, can occur in both conditions.
  • Low Self-Esteem: People with ADHD and depression may have low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness, albeit stemming from different sources.
  • Problems in Relationships: Both conditions can lead to difficulties in personal and professional relationships. People with ADHD may struggle with impulse control, leading to social challenges, while depression can cause social withdrawal and isolation.
  • Comorbidity: It’s not uncommon for ADHD and depression to co-occur in some individuals, making it even more challenging to discern one from the other.
  • Procrastination and Difficulty Starting Tasks: Individuals with both conditions may find it hard to initiate tasks, whether due to a lack of motivation (depression) or difficulty sustaining attention (ADHD).
Depression and ADHD share symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment tougher. Depression and ADHD share focus issues. ADHD medications may also alter sleep and eating patterns, which can indicate depression. Hyperactive and irritable kids may have ADHD or depression.
Depression and ADHD share symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment tougher. Depression and ADHD share focus issues. ADHD medications may also alter sleep and eating patterns, which can indicate depression. Hyperactive and irritable kids may have ADHD or depression.

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