Depression in Kids with ADHD

Is it SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder?

 

Wondering about depression in kids with ADHD?

Are you experiencing behavior problems with your kids?

Is your child having issues in school?

Do teachers and professionals encourage you to test your kids for ADHD?

Are you concerned about putting your kids on medication?

Have your children dropped out of activities they once enjoyed?

Are your kids having sleep issues or disturbances?

Do you notice cravings for sugary foods and carbohydrates in their diet?

Is there a history of depression or ADHD in your family?

These are some of the symptoms of depression in kids with ADHD that might be Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Depression in kids with ADHD and Adults Linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD

New research conducted at the University of Rochester links depression in kids with ADHD and adults to Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD.

The symptoms of depression in kids with ADHD often overlap with inattention symptoms of ADHD. Since Seasonal Affective Disorder’s onset usually begins in late fall or early winter it coincides with the school year calendar. Thus, it is often a teacher who notices problems in kids affected with these conditions.

While the topic of ADHD in kids has received wide spread attention in recent years, SAD, often known as Winter Depression in kids with ADHD is often undiagnosed or overlooked in doctor’s offices due to the similar symptoms.

Bottom line is if your kids have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, you want to be more mindful of the depression symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD in your child.

Symptoms of Depression in Kids with ADHD that may be Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD

Winter depression in kids with ADHD or without ADHD can make it difficult for a child to concentrate in class. They may also be experiencing sleep disturbances or night wakings which in turn exasperates the problem. The lethargy usually leads to a decreased interest in activity. Often kids lose interest and drop out of favorite sports or activities they previously enjoyed.

Both children with depression and adults with SAD will often try to “self-medicate” themselves with food. Cravings for sweets and carbohydrates are very pronounced. Alcoholism can be a common problem for adults.

Similarly spring and summer can often bring about “mania” or hyperactivity in people with Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is understandable how SAD symptoms can often be assumed simply as ADHD.

There are treatment options for available for depression in kids with ADHD and SAD. Light therapy can be an extremely effective way of treating these children. A high protein diet limiting highly processed foods with chemical additives can also make a difference. Medication is a very personal decision for depression in kids with ADHD to be discussed with a qualified physician.