The ADHD and Seasonal Affective Disorder Link
Did you know that 30% of individuals with ADHD will have a depressive episode at some point? If you have ADHD, your chances of developing depression is four times greater than it is for those people without ADHD. But how do you know if you’re dealing with major depression or seasonal affective disorder?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the ADHD and depression connection, and then we’ll zero in on the signs of seasonal affective disorder.
ADHD and Depression
In this video, Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. explains why individuals with ADHD are more likely to experience depressive episodes.
ADHD and Seasonal Affective Disorder
There are many types of depression including major depression, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression. Because fall is just around the corner, let’s focus on seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is related to the change in seasons — typically the shift from summer into fall.
You can learn more about SAD by watching the video below:
6 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Many mental health conditions share the same symptoms, so it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis before embarking on any treatment plan. Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, our multidisciplinary team excels at diagnosing and treating co-occurring disorders.
You might suspect you have SAD if you:
- Feel sad
- Notice changes in your sleeping and eating patterns
- Have lost interest in your favorite hobbies
- Feel more intensely sad with the changing of the seasons
- Feel guilty
- Feel worthless
- Suicidal thoughts
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Their number is 1-800-273-8255.
Treating SAD and ADHD
The good news is that the right treatment can help you feel better. SAD is often treated with lifestyle modifications (exercise, sleep hygiene, spending time outside), therapy, and medication.
Don’t brush off these symptoms. If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness, and you suspect that you might have ADHD and SAD, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can reach our Louisville, Kentucky office at 502-907-5908. You can also request an appointment online.
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thank you for all the information on helping me to be a better mother to my daughter who is 50 years old. it is never too late to be more understanding, kind and this is a learning experience for me. the information I just read needs to be read many times to break my bad habits. i have been blessed by you.
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