ARE YOU DEPRESSED OR IS IT ADD?

From my clinical experience there are several possibilities. ADD and Depression can coexist, or ADD can result from Depression, or ADD can at times cause Depression.

How do you figure this out? You need to go to a clinician, who has expertise in ADD to help you sort it out. Many health professionals, are not familiar with or believe in adult ADD. As a life-long ADDer who works with many adult ADD folks, I feel strongly that I can help with this dilemma.

From my personal experience, depressive feelings can result from ADD symptoms such as the failure to initiate important tasks( like this blog), too much unstructured and unstimulating or boring periods, and the inability to often organize tasks and activities.

Until recently, in my knowledge, antidepressants were given as the sole medication for ADD people who were also depressed. Often their moods improved, but other ADD behaviors still remained. Now this awareness has led to the use of stimulant medications for many, coupled with cognitive/behavioral therapy ( Some will take antidepressants as well, depending on their level of functioning).

From my personal, clinical and coaching experience, an individual with an ADD brain-style needs to be aware that their mood drops during unstructured times, and they need to plan ACTIVE rather than passive “relaxing” experiences during these periods. Passive activities such as watching TV will not elevate your arousal level or mood; in fact moods may get even lower because of disappointment in lack of accomplishing anything.