Adhd Depression - Can Something Be Done To Combat This Problem Effectively?
If we take a closer look at adhd depression we will discover that children with ADHD run a much higher risk of developing depression than children who do not have ADHD. The same holds true for adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. But if we really want to understand what is meant by the word €¬‹"depression€¬€ we need to begin with looking at what mental health professionals actually mean when they speak of it.
First of all, everybody feels down at various times. This is perfectly normal and diagnosing depression would be erroneous. In other words, although you might feel down or depressed it does not mean that you should be diagnosed with depression. The American Psychiatric Association or APA has a publication called the DSM-IV. This contains the official diagnostic criteria that all mental health professionals consult when diagnosing psychiatric disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and depression.
The DSM-IV provides the following criteria for diagnosing depression:
1. Depression affects the individual on nearly a daily basis and for most of the day. When the individual is a child or a teenager depression can manifest as moodiness or irritability rather than as depression.
2. The individual will be disinterested in, or take no pleasure in, most or all activities.
3. The individual might exhibit noticeable weight loss even though they are not on a diet. Alternatively they might show significant weight gain. Essentially, they exhibit either an increase or a decrease in their appetite.
4. Another diagnostic criteria for depression is sleep disturbances. The person might suffer with insomnia (being unable to sleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
5. The individual might be extremely restless or otherwise appear to be very lethargic.
6. They display a lot of fatigue or a drop in energy levels.
7. They feel hopeless and worthless. They might also feel guilty even though this is unnecessary or even inappropriate.
8. They find it difficult to think or concentrate properly most of the time.
9. They regularly think about death or suicide.
In order for a mental health professional to diagnose adhd depression at least five or more of the above mentioned symptoms need to be exhibited within a two week period. Additionally, at least one of these symptoms needs to be either the first or second ones mentioned in the above list of symptoms. Aside from that the mental health professional will also need to determine that the symptoms the person is exhibiting are causing them distress or impairment, however, this must not be because of the physiological effects of the medications they are currently on, or because of a medical condition.
As the above description clearly points out, clinical depression can only be diagnosed when there is a collection of persistent symptoms. True depression goes way beyond merely feeling somewhat sad or down.
When it comes to adhd depression in kids it is important to remember that research has indicated that the symptoms at the core of depression are the same in young children, in teens, and in adults. There are some symptoms of depression that might appear to be more noticeable or prominent at different ages. Children who are depressed seem to be very irritable and/or very sad. This would be unlike their normal or typical behavior. They might show considerably less interest and excitement about those things that they used to enjoy. They very often suffer with hypersomnia and they are noticeably less energetic. Very often they will refer to themselves in very disparaging ways and seem to be overly critical of themselves. Of course all of this will affect them academically and socially.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD you need to pay close attention to their behavior. Remember that your child runs a greater risk of suffering with or developing depression. Parents who are concerned that their child might be depressed would do well to have the child evaluated by an child mental health expert. Diagnosing depression in kids is not easy and parents should have the peace of mind knowing that the person who is consulting with their child is extensively experienced in this particular area.
First of all, everybody feels down at various times. This is perfectly normal and diagnosing depression would be erroneous. In other words, although you might feel down or depressed it does not mean that you should be diagnosed with depression. The American Psychiatric Association or APA has a publication called the DSM-IV. This contains the official diagnostic criteria that all mental health professionals consult when diagnosing psychiatric disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and depression.
The DSM-IV provides the following criteria for diagnosing depression:
1. Depression affects the individual on nearly a daily basis and for most of the day. When the individual is a child or a teenager depression can manifest as moodiness or irritability rather than as depression.
2. The individual will be disinterested in, or take no pleasure in, most or all activities.
3. The individual might exhibit noticeable weight loss even though they are not on a diet. Alternatively they might show significant weight gain. Essentially, they exhibit either an increase or a decrease in their appetite.
4. Another diagnostic criteria for depression is sleep disturbances. The person might suffer with insomnia (being unable to sleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
5. The individual might be extremely restless or otherwise appear to be very lethargic.
6. They display a lot of fatigue or a drop in energy levels.
7. They feel hopeless and worthless. They might also feel guilty even though this is unnecessary or even inappropriate.
8. They find it difficult to think or concentrate properly most of the time.
9. They regularly think about death or suicide.
In order for a mental health professional to diagnose adhd depression at least five or more of the above mentioned symptoms need to be exhibited within a two week period. Additionally, at least one of these symptoms needs to be either the first or second ones mentioned in the above list of symptoms. Aside from that the mental health professional will also need to determine that the symptoms the person is exhibiting are causing them distress or impairment, however, this must not be because of the physiological effects of the medications they are currently on, or because of a medical condition.
As the above description clearly points out, clinical depression can only be diagnosed when there is a collection of persistent symptoms. True depression goes way beyond merely feeling somewhat sad or down.
When it comes to adhd depression in kids it is important to remember that research has indicated that the symptoms at the core of depression are the same in young children, in teens, and in adults. There are some symptoms of depression that might appear to be more noticeable or prominent at different ages. Children who are depressed seem to be very irritable and/or very sad. This would be unlike their normal or typical behavior. They might show considerably less interest and excitement about those things that they used to enjoy. They very often suffer with hypersomnia and they are noticeably less energetic. Very often they will refer to themselves in very disparaging ways and seem to be overly critical of themselves. Of course all of this will affect them academically and socially.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD you need to pay close attention to their behavior. Remember that your child runs a greater risk of suffering with or developing depression. Parents who are concerned that their child might be depressed would do well to have the child evaluated by an child mental health expert. Diagnosing depression in kids is not easy and parents should have the peace of mind knowing that the person who is consulting with their child is extensively experienced in this particular area.
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