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Monday, October 18, 2010

ADHD Linked to Increased Risk of Depression, Suicide

A long-term study of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that began when they were four years old, found that they were at greater risk for depression and suicide attempts by the time they were 18 years old.

  • Dr. Andrea Chronis-Tuscano of the University of Maryland, and her colleagues matched 125 children ages four to six years old who had been diagnosed with ADHD with 123 children without the disorder who have similar demographics.
  • The research team reassessed both groups several times during the next 13 years.
  • The children who had been diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to be depressed as young adults. Eighteen percent had tried suicide compared to six percent in the control group. Girls were more likely to experience depression than boys.

This study appears in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
 

Labels: depression, mental_health

Posted By: Jane St. Clair

Comments:

Chelsea on 11/11/2010
That's so sad to read. It's somewhat understandable, though, considering that it's hard for a child and a parent when the child has ADHD. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment, plus learning techniques to use every day to help your child, are all so important.