ADHD and Depression: What’s the Connection?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression are mental health conditions that can both affect how you feel, think, and behave. Even though they’re different conditions, they can have similar symptoms, like physical restlessness, poor concentration, and irritability. And, just to make it more complicated, many people with depression also have ADHD — and vice versa. 

Let’s take a closer look at these common conditions, including their similarities, differences, and how they’re treated. 

Is it ADHD, or is it depression?

Recognizing whether or not a person with ADHD also has depression can be difficult. That’s because some of the symptoms of ADHD and depression overlap. Symptoms that both conditions have in common include:

• Problems with concentration: Both ADHD and depression can cause distractability and poor concentration. However, people with ADHD can typically focus on things that they find interesting, like a television show or video games. Meanwhile, people with depression may find it hard to focus on most things. 

• Physical restlessness: Both ADHD and depression can make it hard to sit still. This could mean fidgeting, having trouble staying in one place, or needing to change positions a lot. In both cases, the restlessness is usually noticeable by other people. 

• Irritability and mood swings: Depression and ADHD can both cause an irritable mood and rapid changes in emotions. This can lead to outbursts or trouble regulating your emotions and behavior. 

• Sleep problems: Both conditions can interfere with your ability to get a good night’s rest. Depression can also make you feel tired and sleepy during the day. 

• Anxiety: People with ADHD and depression can experience anxiety as part of their condition. 

But there are differences as well. Each condition has its own unique symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Key things that set depression apart include feeling sad, hopeless, or disinterested in your normal activities. People with ADHD can experience these feelings too. However, they aren’t core symptoms. ADHD also usually starts in childhood, while depression can happen at any age. 

Can you have ADHD and depression at the same time?

Absolutely. It’s not only possible to have ADHD and depression at the same time — it’s actually pretty common. In fact, one survey found that nearly 1 in 5 adults with ADHD also had major depression. And around 1 in 8 of adults with ADHD in the survey also had persistent depressive disorder (a long-lasting, low-grade type of depression). 

Can ADHD cause depression? 

It’s possible. In fact, people with ADHD are over five times more likely to develop depression than people without it. This may be because ADHD can lead to problems that can increase your chances of getting depression — especially if your symptoms aren’t well-treated. 

ADHD can lead to these risk factors for depression, along with other issues like: 

• Relationship problems

• Social isolation

• Unemployment

• Financial problems

• Substance use problems

• Sleep problems

Can depression cause ADHD?

Probably not. Since ADHD can contribute to depression, you might be wondering if the opposite is also true. But so far, there’s no evidence that depression can cause ADHD.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Do you have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or depression? Learn more about the similarities and differences, including a handy chart to help you tell them apart. 

• What does ADHD feel like for adults? Three people with ADHD share their personal experiences. 

• What’s the best medication for ADHD? Here’s our guide to ADHD medication for adults and children.

Other co-occurring conditions in ADHD

Apart from depression, there are other mental health problems that are common in people with ADHD. In fact, more than 2 in 3 people with ADHD have at least one other condition. These include: 

• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

• Conduct disorder (CD)

• Bipolar disorder

• Anxiety disorders

• Tics or Tourette syndrome

• Learning disorders

• Sleep disorders

• Substance use disorders

Treatment for ADHD and depression

Living with ADHD and depression can be hard. Fortunately, treatment can help. Not only can treatment help your symptoms feel better, but it may also lower your risk for other mental and physical health problems. 

Treatment typically includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both. In many cases, a healthcare professional may suggest medication to treat the more severe conditions first — and then work on the second condition. 

Therapy

There are many different types of therapy used to treat depression and ADHD. Options include:

• Behavioral therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Experiential therapies (like equine, music, or art therapy)

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy

• Supportive therapy

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications are a first-choice treatment for ADHD. There are two types available: 

• Amphetamine medications: Adderall, Vyvanse, Xelstrym

• Methylphenidate medications: Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Ritalin

If you have ADHD, research shows that taking these medications may lower your risk of developing depression in the future. 

These medications can also be used as an add-on treatment for depression — especially for people who haven’t responded well to other medications. In some cases, they may help to get rid of lingering depression symptoms, like fatigue and poor concentration. 

Non-stimulant medications

Non-stimulant medications are also used to treat ADHD, though they’re generally considered less effective than stimulants. All the same, they can be a good option for people who don’t want to (or can’t) take stimulant medications. 

Options include: 

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)

• Viloxazine (Qelbree)

• Guanfacine ER (Intuniv)

• Clonidine ER (Kapvay)

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are typically used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Some can treat ADHD too. Common types of antidepressants include: 

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

• Tricyclics (TCAs)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil). These medications may also be prescribed along with ADHD stimulant medications to help reduce symptoms of both. 

And certain antidepressants can actually be used to treat either depression or ADHD. These include:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) 

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

• Desipramine (Norpramin)

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD

Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health professional with over 10 years of clinical experience.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.