unhappy child at therapist's office

New Study Reveals Connection Between ADHD and Mental Health Issues

Approximately 3.5% of children in the United States have mild Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and 5% have severe ADHD (per Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative). A child who has ADHD might daydream a lot, misplace things, or talk excessively (via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). They might also show impulsive tendencies and be unable to finish tasks. ADHD might continue into adulthood, causing problems at work or with relationships. According to a recent study in Scientific Reports, people with ADHD might also suffer from depression and anxiety, more so than Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And those with Autism commonly experience depression that can affect their daily lives, according to Austistica.

The study surveyed 504 adults aged 18 to 79 in the United Kingdom, measuring specific traits associated with ASD and ADHD. The survey also included measures of anxiety and depression and combined them as indicators of how people internalize their problems. After factoring out the similarities in traits between ASD and ADHD, the researchers found that ADHD is a stronger predictor of internalizing problems than ASD.

Why more research on ADHD is necessary

child working with his father on school work

The study noted that although there is more research emphasis on ASD’s effect on depression, anxiety, and quality of life, more research is needed to help those with ADHD manage their mental health. The results emphasize the fact that ADHD is more than just an attentional problem since up to 50% of adults with ADHD could develop a mental health condition, according to U.S. News and World Report.

A press release about the study said that funding for psychological research on ADHD is poor compared to ASD. “Our findings suggest that research and clinical practice must shift some of the focus from autism to ADHD,” lead author Luca Hargitai said. “This may help to identify those most at risk of anxiety and depression so that preventative measures — such as supporting children and adults with the management of their ADHD symptoms — can be put in place earlier to have a greater impact on improving people’s well-being.”

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).