Adult ADD and depression often go hand-in-hand. In fact, research suggests that up to 25% of ADD
adults also suffer from depression. Despite that, the depression aspect of Attention Deficit
Disorder often goes untreated because people either don't recognize the symptoms as depression or
mistakenly blame the symptoms of depression on the adult ADHD.

If you have Attention Deficit Disorder and have been feeling "down" for a period of time, you may
also suffer from depression.

Common symptoms of depression include:
- A persistent sadness, "empty" mood or anxiousness that lasts every day for two or more weeks.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Fatigue or lack of energy.
- Changes in appetite and weight.
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

You might feel sad or have frequent feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. You might have low
self-worth, low energy levels, have trouble sleeping or sleep too much. You may feel that your life
is somewhat lackluster - like a grey cloud persistently hangs over you.

Does this sound familiar? If so, you are not alone. More than 17 million people in the United States
deal with depression every year.

There are many types of depression but regardless of the type, the cause of depression can often be
found in changes in brain chemistry. Research data indicates that people suffering from depression
have imbalances of neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine. A deficiency in
norepinephrine may contribute to the fatigue and depressed mood of the illness. A serotonin
deficiency may cause the sleep problems, irritability, and anxiety associated with depression.

Your primary care physician may prescribe an antidepressant drug for clinical depression but these
drugs, can have many adverse side effects. Common side effects of antidepressants include
nervousness, restlessness, insomnia and sexual problems. There are also serious, but rare, side
effects like violent or aggressive behavior and an increase in suicidal tendencies. It is important
to speak with your primary care physician about the side effects associated with antidepressants and
any concerns you might have with the side effects.

There are also a number of natural alternative to antidepfressants that are highly effective. If you
have concerns about taking pharmacuetical antidepressants, you will want to seek out an effective,
quality natural alternative designed to safely provide nutritional support for depression and mood
imbalances.

http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com

Submitted by:

• Name: Jeannine Virtue
• Date: 12/07/06 at 17:03
• Email: jvirtue@add-adhd-help-center.com
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