Though Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is a struggle for children and parents enduring its consequences and resulting behavior, a new study is pointing to the struggles ADHD children may also encounter as teenagers. Published in Archives of General Psychiatry, the study is highlighted by results showing that as many as 18 percent of children diagnosed at an early age matured into depressed teens.
Despite the seriousness of the depression in teens after being diagnosed with ADHD as children, the study published even more alarming results. A staggering six percent of children diagnosed in the study and followed into their teen years reported that they had plans involving suicide at one time or another.
The study, carried out by Andrea Chronis-Tuscano Ph.D. and her colleagues from the University of Maryland in College Park, followed the 125 diagnosed children, who were diagnosed between the ages of four and five. Girls diagnosed were at an even greater risk for depression, the study said.
What does it mean?
The study is alarming because of the growing number of children, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, with ADHD across the world. Also cause for concern is the lack of understanding as to why the disorder occurs, leaving some parents and children in the dark about how it can be prevented. According to Margaret Austin, Ph.D and her colleagues, the number of prescriptions written for drugs treating ADHD has tripled and quadrupled in the last ten years.
Why?
Understanding why ADHD diagnosed children have increased rates of depression extends some of the baffling mystery. Are medications to treat the disorder leading to the resulting depression and suicidal thoughts? Is ADHD itself to blame for the depression produced in teenagers? Experts within the field continue to work diligently to discover the root of depression in ADHD diagnosed children.
With increased information, parents can take a proactive stand, paying close attention to the warning signs that may accompany the depression of their teens, which can lead to positive strides within the ADHD community.
According to the article “ADHD, Depression and Suicide: How Parents Can Keep Children Safe,” in U.S. News & World Report, there are several precautions that can be taken in order to aid maintenance of mental health among teens at risk. Insuring children and teens are evaluated and seen by experts skilled in ADHD therapy, educating family about suicide and depression prevention, and screening other family members are vital ways to combat depression among ADHD teens diagnosed as young children.
This post is brought to you by Argosy University. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.
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