Children with ADHD can have a range of problems. A common problem for children with
ADHD involves their mood. Children with ADHD may frequently struggle with the way they feel.
They may feel frequently sad or withdrawn. Children with ADHD may also be frequently grouchy,
irritable, or have temper tantrums. While all children are in bad moods from time to time, some
children need help with their feelings. These children may have a depressive disorder. Children
who struggle with tough feelings and ADHD need special treatment. It is important that these
problems are diagnosed when present. Below is information about two such disorders: depression
and disruptive mood disregulation disorder.
Depression. Many people with ADHD go on to develop depression.
In fact, about 10-30% of children with ADHD also struggle with depression. Here is some
information about the diagnosis of depression:
The terms professionals use to categorize depression are
"persistent depressive disorder" and "Major Depressive Disorder." An older term that
some professionals may use is "dysthymia."
People with depression feel sad most days or stop being interested in things they once liked.
Sometimes children are grouchy or irritable instead of sad.
Depressed people also have some of the following problems:
Weight loss or gain
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Not having energy
Feeling worthless
Trouble concentrating
Thinking about suicide or death
ADHD normally comes before depression. That is, people with ADHD develop problems with depression over time.
It is not completely clear why ADHD and depression co-occur. Here are some theories about why people with ADHD may also have
problems with depression:
People with ADHD may become depressed because of low self-esteem.
Children with ADHD can be left out of activities with peers. They may not get invited to
birthday parties or to go out for pizza after a game. They may have less friends than
other children. Children with ADHD may also get in trouble at home and school. They may
be punished even if they are not trying to be bad. They may also get poor grades.
All of these things can take a tool on children's self-esteem. Overtime, children with
ADHD may start to feel bad about themselves and develop depression.
There may be genetic/heredity reasons why ADHD and depression co-occur. Genes that
put people at risk for ADHD may also put people at risk for depression. In fact, high rates of
ADHD and depression are often found in the same families.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). The new book used by professionals to diagnose
mental health disorders, called the DSM 5, includes DMDD as a new disorder. Symptoms of DMDD include:
Child has lots (3 or more times a week) of big tantrums
Child is irritable or grouchy most days
Tantrums and irritability occur in multiple places (like home and at school)
Because DMDD is a new disorder, information about it is limited. It can only be diagnosed in
children ages 6-18. It is possible for children to be diagnosed with ADHD and DMDD.
