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Is Depression Underdiagnosed in ADHD Teens? 

PostedSeptember 3, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 3, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

Underdiagnosis depression ADHD teens is a significant concern in mental health. Adolescents with ADHD often struggle with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation, which can complicate the recognition of co-occurring depression. The symptoms of depression in teens, such as irritability, fatigue, and social withdrawal, can overlap with ADHD-related difficulties, making it challenging for clinicians to identify depression accurately. 

Recognition issues in ADHD teens are compounded by the tendency to focus primarily on ADHD symptoms, potentially overlooking signs of depression. As a result, depression may not be diagnosed until it significantly impacts the teen’s daily functioning. Furthermore, screening challenges for both ADHD and depression may lead to delays in intervention and treatment, increasing the risk of the depression worsening over time. 

How Underdiagnosis Affects ADHD Teens 

Recognition issues 

Teens with ADHD may not exhibit the classic signs of depression, leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses. Symptoms of irritability and low mood may be attributed to ADHD rather than depression. 

Screening challenges 

Effective screening for both ADHD and depression is often lacking, with clinicians sometimes focusing on one condition at the expense of the other. 

Underdiagnosis depression ADHD teens can have long-term consequences if not addressed. Improved recognition and screening practices can help ensure both ADHD and depression are diagnosed and treated effectively, improving overall mental health outcomes for teens. 

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 Depression.  

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. 

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