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Many people view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a simple case of rambunctiousness. But there's a new reason to take ADHD seriously: A new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found a troubling new link between a child’s ADHD diagnosis and depression down the line. Kids who were diagnosed with ADHD at a young age (between 4 and 6) were 10 times more likely to become depressed and were nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide than their counterparts who did not have ADHD.
The takeaway: Take it seriously if your young child exhibits the signs of ADHD -- excessive activity levels, inability to focus on school work, disorganization and forgetfulness. And if your teen has been diagnosed with ADHD, it may be wise to watch for signs of depression, such as a lack of interest in activities, changing sleep patterns and appetites, anxiety and sadness. If you see them, be sure to bring them to your pediatrician's attention.
Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD? How do you manage their day-to-day life? Chime in below!
