Children who suffer from ADHD are at greater risk of depression and related disorders, depression is so likely to occur with children with ADHD, because of the constant attacks and stresses ADHD puts on their self-esteem. Whether it is a sense of frustration at seeing friends and peers alike succeed, whether it is impatience and or irritation exhibited by teachers, peers or family members, it is little wonder that ADHD children become so despondent.



When a child feels that they are not achieving then they will perceive themselves as a failure, and an ADHD child can be driven to depression, and the first stage that often arises is that the child becomes anti social, withdrawn and unwilling to engage in activities, socially etc. Sometimes, this initial retreat from the world is met with some relief by parents and teachers alike, providing some respite from the constant activity of the child. However, such a change in behaviour is not indicative of an improvement in the symptoms of the ADHD, instead, it is indicative of a new set of problems, depression. With new problems there is a need for a change in strategy and attitude as well as a need for a greater awareness of what is going on so as to better solve the problem and provide help for adhd child

A child who suffers from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that may cause some concern and which are useful for diagnosing depression and to detect sign of ADHD in child. This depression stems from the ADHD and the symptoms to look out for are:

? Phobias

? Erratic, disturbed and inconsistent sleeping patterns

? Disconnection Anxiety

? Disruptive behaviour whether at school or at home

? Aggressiveness

? Short temper, prone to hostility and or aggression at slight provocation

? Odd sleeping patterns which shift from one extreme to another

? Constant low mood

? Tearful

? Overly emotional over trivial matters

? Disinterest and detachment from group activities and or settings

? Absence of energy

? Inability to deal with boredom

? Chronic self-depreciation, and low self esteem

? Self-Destructive

? Aggression towards objects (such as toys, playthings, books etc)

? Loss of weight, and or loss of appetite as well as unusual change in eating habits

? Argumentative and prone to bouts of irritability

? Stops talking

? Anti social behavior

? Withdraws from friends, or has no friends.

? Total withdrawal from any kind of activity

? Lack of engagement in conversations

? Feeling dissatisfied with people, and bearing grudges more often or strongly than previously

Odd as it may sound, many parents who were previously unaware of their childs condition (of ADHD) often find themselves rather relived that this is the cause (or at the very least a majorly contributing factor) of the depression within their child. With proper child adhd treatment , such symptoms can be managed and controlled, but it is equally important that you communicate with your child and make time for them. So long as they know they can talk to you their parents, that you will always listen, and support them then these child living with adhd will be much happier.