ADHD and Depression: Understanding the Connection
By the clinical team at Next Step Psychiatry • Lilburn, GA
ADHD and depression are two distinct conditions, but they overlap far more often than most people realize. Research shows that adults with ADHD are nearly four times more likely to develop depression than the general population. If you're dealing with both, you may feel like you're fighting a battle on two fronts—unable to focus and unable to find motivation. The good news: when properly diagnosed, both conditions are highly treatable.
How ADHD Can Lead to Depression
Living with unmanaged ADHD takes a toll. Years of missed deadlines, strained relationships, and the feeling that you're not living up to your potential can erode self-esteem. For many adults we see at our Lilburn office, depression didn't appear out of nowhere—it developed gradually as a consequence of untreated ADHD. Chronic frustration, academic or career setbacks, and social difficulties accumulate over time, creating fertile ground for depressive episodes.
There's also a genetic component. Studies suggest that the same genes that predispose someone to ADHD may also increase vulnerability to depression. If ADHD or mood disorders run in your family, your risk for both is higher.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- People with childhood ADHD that went undiagnosed or untreated
- Women and those assigned female at birth (who are more likely to have inattentive ADHD that flies under the radar)
- Individuals with a family history of depression
- Anyone living with unmanaged ADHD symptoms in adulthood
Can You Have Both at the Same Time?
Absolutely. The CDC reports that about 17% of children and adolescents with ADHD also have depression, and roughly 19% of adults with ADHD experience comorbid depression. The challenge is that symptoms overlap—difficulty concentrating, low energy, and irritability are features of both conditions. That's why a thorough psychiatric evaluation is essential. A provider who understands both conditions can tease apart what's driving your symptoms and build a treatment plan that addresses the full picture.
Treatment That Addresses Both
Treating ADHD and depression together requires a nuanced approach. At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C develop individualized medication strategies that target both conditions without one treatment undermining the other. For patients with treatment-resistant depression, we also offer Spravato (esketamine)—an FDA-approved nasal spray that can provide relief when traditional antidepressants fall short.
Beyond medication, we encourage our patients across the Gwinnett County and Atlanta area to engage in regular physical activity, maintain consistent sleep schedules, and build support systems. Small, consistent lifestyle changes amplify the benefits of psychiatric care.
Get Help in Lilburn, GA
If you suspect ADHD, depression, or both are affecting your life, don't wait. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Our office at 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite 100 is here for you.
Call 678-437-1659 to schedule your evaluation today.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.