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What are the overlapping symptoms of ADHD and depression? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Overlapping symptoms of ADHD and depression can often make it difficult to differentiate between the two, as both conditions share common signs, such as attention issues, focus difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges.  

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Common Symptoms Between ADHD and Depression 

ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterised by chronic inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. In contrast, depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. Yet, the two conditions often exhibit symptoms that overlap, making diagnosis tricky. 

Key Overlapping Symptoms 

Understanding these shared symptoms can help in distinguishing the two conditions, ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment. 

  • Attention and Focus: Both ADHD and depression can lead to poor concentration and memory. People with ADHD typically have difficulty staying on task due to distractibility, while those with depression struggle to focus because of mental fatigue or emotional distress. 
  • Emotional Regulation: Emotional dysregulation, such as irritability, frustration, and mood swings, is a common symptom in both ADHD and depression. However, the emotional outbursts in ADHD are typically linked to impulsivity, while in depression, these emotional issues are often tied to feelings of hopelessness or sadness. 
  • Energy Levels: While ADHD can lead to restlessness and an inability to stay still, depression typically causes a lack of energy, making tasks feel overwhelming and leading to fatigue or lethargy. 

In conclusion, overlapping symptoms of ADHD and depression can make it challenging to distinguish between the two. While both conditions affect attention, focus, and emotional regulation, the root causes and the ways these symptoms manifest are different. A thorough assessment by a healthcare professional is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Differential Diagnosis of ADHD.

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Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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
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. 

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