How Do I Tackle Depression Of My ADHD Affected Child

Sometimes, your child does not like to do things that he used to usually like, is avoiding people, is not sleeping well, is not eating what he/she likes to eat, or is not eating as per the requirements. Further, there may be a situation wherein the performance of your child in the school is degrading and that he/she does not wish to do anything, nor in school or at home. These conditions are a clear indication of depression. Yes! Your child might be under depression that has not come to your notice.

Depression is the mental state of your child where he/she starts feeling low and useless without an apparent or reasonable reason behind it. If it is severe, it might even ‘apply brakes’ to his/her normal daily routine or make him/her commit suicide too. It is understood how critical can be the situation of depression. The origin of depression is the negative thinking, so a simple treatment is to convert it into positive one and lit a candle of hope in the mind of your child. However, this even needs medical care. Let’s explore this to let children and adults come out of this hazardous state.

Depression Symptoms

The symptoms of depression in a child tend to be similar to the symptoms of depression in an adult. Listed below are the symptoms.

• Low mood being exhibited every day
• Loss of interest in tasks at school or home
• Reasonable weight loss even when not on diet
• Weight gain
• An increase or decrease in the appetite
• Sleeplessness (more in children)
• Extreme restlessness
• Extreme sleeping
• Fatigue
• Loss of energy
• Irritation (more in children)
• Feeling of guilt
• Feeling useless
• Reduced concentration
• Change in the thinking process (mostly negative or unable to think)
• Avoiding friends
• Less or no communication at all
• Seeming to be unhappy than usual
• Frequent thoughts of death

Actually, the symptoms of restlessness and reduced concentration are also the symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to make out whether a child with ADHD has depression. This is more likely to happen in case of boys, as symptoms of ADHD are more apparent.

Due to ADHD, children might feel the inability of doing or achieving something because of which they are demoralized. However, this is only a drop in the ocean of depression. According to a study, ADHD children who face difficulty in keeping social relationships are more vulnerable to depression rather than those who face difficulties in school.

If you notice any of the stated symptoms, you must immediately consult a GP.

Depression with ADHD

A child with ADHD is three times more prone to depression. Depression usually starts after the age of eight. It is approximately 2-4 percent until the teenage years. Then, it is found to be 4-8 percent approximately.

Depression is found to be more common in girls.

Depression Diagnosis

In children, the diagnosis of depression is quite difficult. To conclude that your child is under depression:

• Five symptoms of depression at the minimum must have been exhibited by your child in past 15 days at least.
• One of the symptoms must be low mood, loss of interest, or irritation.
• Medication or its reaction should not be the cause.

A psychologist or child psychiatrist will discuss with the child and parents to track the presence of the above stated conditions.

Depression Treatment

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy, and antidepressants are the two major treatments of depression. Note that CBT is also recommended for ADHD along with the medication.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

It is a practical therapy wherein through mutual discussions with the child and parents, negative thinking is converted into a positive one. With this, it will inculcate new developmental and social skills along with recovery of lost interest.

8-12 weekly sessions are conducted wherein in each session, 40 minutes are only spend with the child and the last 10 minutes with the parents and child. This is done with the help of a GP and child psychiatrist or psychologist.

Psychotherapy

Here, the therapist talks to the child alone and traces his/her thinking patterns. Accordingly, works and applies the suitable treatment.

Antidepressants (in Childhood)

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRIs) and tricyclics are common antidepressants.
SSRIs if taken by the youngsters should not be suddenly withdrawn from the treatment. Tricyclics should be prescribed with care, as they result in side effects.

It is advisable to start the intake of antidepressants slowly and continue until six months at the minimum. You need to consult your doctor for the start, continuity, and discontinuation of these medications.

Duration of Depression

According to a research, 80 percent of the children are better after a period of a year. But, for 50 percent of the children, there are more chances of another depressive period within two months. Frequent contact with the ADHD help team and doctor can provide continue help to your child suffering from depression.

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