The link between ADHD and mental health problems

While ADHD itself is not a mood disorder, there is a strong relationship between ADHD and mental health conditions.

Co-occurring mood disorders are indeed common, partly because of the everyday executive function challenges, like emotional regulation, that are part and parcel with the condition.

However, many mental health problems experienced by people with ADHD are not caused directly by the condition itself. Instead, they often arise from navigating a world designed for neurotypical people while experiencing executive function challenges.

Common struggles include:

• • Overstimulation
• • Social misunderstandings
• • Missed opportunities
• • Missed deadlines
• • Academic or workplace struggles
• • Perceived underachievement.

Over time, the persistent shame, struggles and feelings of failure that often coexist with ADHD can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing:

• • Some experts claim that up to 70% of people with ADHD will be treated for depression at some point in their lives.
• • Studies reported an increased risk of developing PTSD in individuals with ADHD, with the prevalence of comorbidity ranging between 28 and 36%.
• • A meta-analysis found an association with ADHD and suicidal spectrum behaviours. Results indicated that those with ADHD attempted suicide at twice the rate of typically developing people (six studies, over 65,000 persons), had over three times the rate of suicidal ideation (23 studies, over 70,000 persons), and over six times the rate of completed suicide (four studies, over 130,000 persons).

The impact of criticism on people with ADHD

“Lazy”, “too much”, “disruptive”, “scatterbrained”.

People with ADHD frequently experience criticism from a young age. Some experts estimate that children with ADHD receive an average of 20,000 negative messages by their 12th birthday.

Is it any wonder that many adults with ADHD struggle with low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and chronic self doubt?

Why understanding ADHD matters for mental health

Although ADHD is not a mood disorder, the experiences that come with it can cause significant mental health consequences.

For better mental health outcomes, people with ADHD (and other neurodivergent conditions for that matter) need greater understanding and adaptations throughout their lives:

• • Earlier diagnosis
• • Greater societal understanding
• • Appropriate accommodations
• • Reduced stigma.

The importance of diagnosing and supporting ADHD

Mental health conditions are often worse when they coexist with undiagnosed or unsupported ADHD. Whilst many people feel conflicted about the ADHD label, diagnosis can provide a prism for understanding how the ADHD brain works.

When we look at ADHD through a different lens, it becomes clear that we are not disabled by the condition itself, but by living in a society that is designed for neurotypical people. Recognising this is the first step towards creating a world that works for everyone.

About the Author

Ruth Bartlett is a Neuroinclusive Communications Specialist and founder of Wordsted. She combines her background in communication and community support with her neurodivergent lived experience to help organisations and teams bridge the gap between systems, processes, and their neurodivergent consumers and employees.