ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER AND DEPRESSION
Almost 25% of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) patients suffer from mild to severe depression. This is a little know fact and remains largely untreated because it is mistakenly presumed that patients are depressed due to their ADD. ADD along with depression is usually referred to as ‘Limbic system ADD’ or over-focused ADD.
An individual with ADD, having clinical symptoms of depression exhibit the following, in addition with the symptoms associated with ADD.
o Persistent feeling of sadness that last for more than a few weeks.
o They are lethargic and suffer from apathy.
o They have low energy levels, low self-esteem, and self worth.
o Changes in appetite and sleeping too little or too much.
o No interest in doing any activity or takes no pleasure in doing any activity.
o Feeling hopeless.
Treatment
An effective treatment plan includes treatment for ADD and treating the secondary disorder -depression. If the depression is treated, then the individual will be better equipped to handle the problems of ADD. Conversely, treatment of ADD will help the patient have a more positive outlook and overcome feeling of anxiety. Depending on the degree of depression, anti-depressants are prescribed.
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