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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.
Freelance journalist Jeannine Virtue moderates the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center, a web site dedicated to natural alternatives for ADHD, depression and stress. Go to http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com/Depression/depression.htm for more information about depression and natural alternatives to antidepressants.
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