A recent study by Meisinger and Freuer (2023) found a bi-directional link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) means that 35% to 50% of all adults with ADHD will experience one or more depressive episodes in their lives. This research, which demonstrates a familial association and shared genetic risk between ADHD and depression also found that patients with ADHD are at elevated risk for post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), anorexia nervosa (AN), and suicide attempts.
Observational studies have shown past associations between ADHD and mood and anxiety disorders; however, ADHD’s connections to other mental health conditions have remained somewhat less clear.
The data and subsequent meta-analyses revealed the following relationships, among others:
People with ADHD were 9% more likely to develop major depressive disorder
A major depressive disorder diagnosis increases the risk for ADHD by 76%
Individuals with ADHD were 30% more likely to attempt suicide
Individuals with ADHD and major depressive disorder were 42% more likely to attempt suicide
The most common misdiagnosis of adolescents and adults with ADHD is major depressive disorder and it carries serious consequences. Before correctly diagnosing ADHD, the average patient has taken 2.6 different antidepressant medications without any benefits — diagnosis and treatment delays could be somewhere between six and seven years, on average, although many individuals experience much higher rates of antidepressant treatments and increased treatment delay significantly longer than between 6-7 years.
Meisinger, C. & Freuer, D., (2023) Understanding the Causal Relationships of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder with Mental Disorders and Suicide Attempt: A Network Mendelian Randomisation Study.BMJ Mental Health. doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2022-300642
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