ADHD Inattentive Type and Chronic Depression

By Michael H Carr  |   Submitted On November 07, 2014

One of the most frequent co-morbid disorders found with inattentive ADHD is low-grade, chronic depression or dysthymia.

Unlike major depression, this insidious mood disorder usually develops gradually. Hence, many inattentive ADDers with dysthymia don't realise they are suffering from it. Dysthymia often starts in the teenage years in response to negative setbacks such as problems with school work or being teased and ridiculed by peers or siblings. By adulthood many inattentive ADDers come to accept it as part of their character, and don't bother to seek treatment as they can still get by on a day-to-day basis.

However, because the disorder is ongoing, it can have a significant long-term impact on employment and relationships, and can often lead to major depression if left untreated. People with dysthymia are also at higher risk of suicide. The combination of dysthymia and major depression is known as double depression.

Dysthymia ca be a difficult disorder to treat, since people with this disorder don't tend to respond as well to medications as those with major depression. Also, many of those who do respond to anti-depressant medications often have to take them on an on going basis.

Dysthymia also creates deeply ingrained negative thinking patterns and it can be very hard for people with this form of depression to change their negative thinking through therapy. Hence, it requires a lot of patience and commitment for individuals with dysthymia to make significant progress through talk therapy.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is the most effective form of therapy for dysthymia and usually helps at least 50 percent of patients. It tends to be even more effective when combined with anti-depressants. Another big advantage of CBT is that it provides patients with the skills to cope with future outbreaks of depressive thinking. Hence, relapse rates for patients who use CBT are lower than for those who rely exclusively on medication.

When dysthymia can be reduced or overcome, it can make a big difference in the lives of those struggling with inattentive ADHD. Once the extra burden of depression is lifted, many inattentive ADDers find they have more energy, more motivation, are more sociable, and can also find they are not quite as easily distracted and mentally foggy.

Perhaps the most important thing for people with ADHD and dysthymia to remember is dysthymia is an illness not a character flaw, and with patience and commitment they can make real progress in changing the way they think and feel.

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