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We provide a comprehensive range of services designed to foster your mental well-being.
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Our therapists are highly skilled across various therapeutic approaches to address numerous concerns.
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A dual experience and skill, meditation enhances both health and happiness.
About Us
Relational Psych is a Seattle-based therapy group specializing in psychodynamic therapy and psychological assessments.
Our Team
Dr. Peter HannaDPM, DABPM, FACPM
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Dr. Siavash RostamiDPM, DABPM, FACPM
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Dr. Daniel GinsbergDPM, DABPM, FACPM
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Resources
Relational Psych is committed to providing educational resources to the community. Browse articles, quizzes, and podcasts to further support your mental health journey.
ADHD
Understanding ADHD alongside anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms overlap. Dr. Hoey explores these intersections, clarifying how each condition manifests differently. ADHD can often coexist with mood disorders, with research suggesting that nearly 50% of adults diagnosed with ADHD also experience anxiety disorders (CHADD, 2019). You might find yourself questioning whether your symptoms are driven by ADHD, anxiety, or depression, and figuring out what to treat first can be frustrating.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD but still feel like something’s missing, it’s possible that additional struggles such as depression or anxiety are at play. Depression, whether it’s major depressive disorder or a persistent depressive state, often presents as deep sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness. Anxiety, on the other hand, creates a constant sense of unease, fear, or nervousness, making daily life increasingly challenging.
For those who’ve dealt with undiagnosed ADHD, living without treatment can be a significant burden. ADHD’s impact on executive function makes time management, task initiation, and organization difficult. Without proper diagnosis, these symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to anxiety or depression, further complicating treatment.
At times, even with an ADHD diagnosis, additional symptoms such as persistent sadness or generalized anxiety remain unexplained. It’s not uncommon for individuals with ADHD to also experience depression or anxiety, leading to complex emotional and cognitive challenges. Depression often presents as chronic sadness or irritability, while anxiety manifests as a pervasive sense of worry and unease. Masking is another phenomenon seen frequently in individuals with ADHD. Growing up in environments that cater to neurotypical behaviors can lead to adaptive strategies where individuals with ADHD suppress or hide their natural tendencies. Over time, this masking can intensify feelings of anxiety or depression, as the pressure to fit in becomes overwhelming.
There’s also a danger in misattributing symptoms. Sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, or even a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed can easily be mistaken for ADHD traits when, in reality, they may be linked to underlying anxiety or depression. Without a clear understanding of the root cause, these issues can go untreated, leaving individuals to continue struggling.
Comparing Symptoms
The overlap between ADHD, anxiety, and depression can make it hard to distinguish one from the other. Let’s explore some of the key differences.
Quizzes
Mood and Emotions
Irritability
In ADHD, irritability can stem from restlessness, sensory overload, or the frustration of struggling with executive function tasks. Those with anxiety may feel irritable due to stress or hypervigilance. Depression often brings irritability from a sense of hopelessness or fatigue.
Persistent Sadness
In ADHD, emotions tend to be intense but short-lived, often triggered by specific events. Anxiety-related sadness is tied to fear or uncertainty, while in depression, sadness feels more generalized and ongoing.
Loss of Interest in Activities
ADHDers often lose interest in hobbies after intense bursts of enthusiasm, while anxiety can create avoidance of activities due to fear. Depression typically causes a loss of interest across the board, leaving little enjoyment in once-loved pursuits.
Low Motivation
Low motivation in ADHD often comes from feeling overwhelmed by tasks. Anxiety leads to avoidance, and depression creates indifference or apathy, resulting in significant drops in motivation.
Avoidance
ADHD can lead to avoiding unpleasant or boring tasks. Those with anxiety avoid situations that trigger fear or discomfort, while depression fosters withdrawal from social interactions and previously enjoyed activities.
Thoughts and Cognition
Physical Symptoms
If You've Been Diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety, or Depression
Living with multiple diagnoses requires careful attention to how each condition interacts. Sometimes your ADHD may be the primary issue, while other times, anxiety or depression will need more focus. Seeking comprehensive treatment can help manage these overlapping symptoms, and professionals can help guide you through the best therapeutic options.
Understanding how ADHD, anxiety, and depression coexist can feel like a complicated puzzle. But with the right support, you can begin to piece together how these disorders interact, leading to more effective treatment. If you recognize these symptoms, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
ADHD primarily affects attention and executive functions, making it difficult to focus or complete tasks. Anxiety is characterized by persistent worry, often about future events, while depression involves a prolonged sense of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Though these disorders often overlap, their root causes and manifestations are different.
Yes, ADHD can contribute to anxiety and depression, especially when the challenges of managing ADHD symptoms lead to frustration, low self-esteem, or overwhelm. The stress of dealing with ADHD’s impact on daily life can heighten feelings of worry (anxiety) or sadness (depression).
ADHD symptoms like distractibility and impulsivity are linked to executive functioning. Anxiety typically presents as excessive worry and fear, while depression manifests as persistent sadness or loss of interest. A professional evaluation is crucial for accurately diagnosing and differentiating between these conditions.
These conditions can co-occur because the difficulties associated with ADHD, such as poor time management or forgetfulness, can cause stress, leading to anxiety. Additionally, the frustration and overwhelm from struggling with ADHD symptoms can lead to depression over time.
Masking refers to hiding or suppressing ADHD-related behaviors to fit into societal norms. Over time, this can lead to increased anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and even depression, as individuals constantly monitor and adjust their behavior in social settings.
Treatment plans often involve a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for anxiety and depression, while ADHD treatment might include stimulant or non-stimulant medication, as well as behavioral therapy. A healthcare provider tailors the treatment based on the individual’s needs.
Yes, especially if ADHD is undiagnosed. Symptoms like forgetfulness, trouble focusing, or irritability can be mistaken for signs of anxiety or depression. Similarly, the emotional distress from untreated ADHD may look like depression or anxiety to healthcare providers.
Managing all three conditions requires a comprehensive approach, including individualized therapy, regular check-ins with a healthcare provider, mindfulness practices, and possibly medication. Establishing routines, getting adequate sleep, and using tools to aid focus and organization are also crucial.
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