my patient advice logo - used for header - mypatientadvice.co.uk
All Topics
Contact Us
Free Health Updates
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Can Depression Be Mistaken for ADHD? 

PostedSeptember 10, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 10, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

Yes, ADHD vs depression symptoms can sometimes overlap, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. Both conditions can cause attention issues, such as difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks. This similarity in symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis, especially if the individual’s mood is not fully evaluated. 

While ADHD vs depression symptoms may both include inattention, depression often includes a low mood, feelings of hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities, which are not typically seen in ADHD. People with ADHD struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and chronic disorganisation, while those with depression may have executive function deficits that manifest as difficulty making decisions, low energy, or poor motivation. 

In cases where ADHD vs depression symptoms are unclear, a detailed clinical assessment is required to distinguish between the two. Doctors will explore whether the attention issues are due to restlessness and lack of focus (ADHD) or if they are the result of low energy and lack of motivation (depression). 

Get an ADHD test online

Common Symptoms 

Inattention:  

Both ADHD and depression can cause attention issues, but the root cause differs. ADHD is usually characterised by distractibility and impulsivity, while depression is linked to lack of motivation and energy. 

Low mood:  

Low mood is a hallmark of depression but does not typically accompany ADHD, which primarily affects attention and behaviour. 

Executive function deficits: 

While both conditions can involve difficulties in executive functioning, depression tends to cause more profound issues with decision-making and motivation. 

Differentiating between ADHD vs depression symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as the management strategies for both conditions differ significantly. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Rule-outs for other conditions.

Get an ADHD test online
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

Let’s get started on something great

Sign Up for our FREE monthly medical updates. No spamming! Only the best content summary from the month on all medical topics

© 2025 My Patient Advice. All rights reserved.