If you have just been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder, there's good news and bad news.
Let's tackle the bad news first - research suggests that depression is approximately 2.
7 times more common among adults with ADHD than adults who do not.
The reasons for this are not clear, but the prevailing theory is that the neurotransmitter imbalance behind the disorder also affects mood.
But there's also some good news - there are effective natural remedies for depression that work just as well among ADHD sufferers.
Causes of depression Depression may strike adults with ADHD for no apparent reason.
Their careers are steady, their family life is good, they have no relationship problems, yet they still feel hopelessness and despair.
This type of depression, called primary depression, is genetic and occurs among people with a family history of depression.
In some adults, depression is the result of their inability to cope with the challenges posed by their symptoms.
This type of depression is called secondary depression and it arises out of an external trigger.
Experts estimate that about 25% adults with ADHD do not receive the right treatment.
Having endured so many difficulties because of their symptoms, secondary depression is more likely to occur in these individuals.
Herbs One way to manage primary depression naturally is through an herb called St.
John's Wort.
This is widely used in Europe as a treatment for mild to moderate depression and is one of the top-selling herbs in the United States.
There is some evidence that suggests that this herb can manage mild to moderate depression.
Its active ingredient hypericin lowers adrenal activity, which is related to depressive symptoms, and elevates neurotransmitters that influence mood.
The average adult dose of St.
John's Wort is 300 mg a day, which gives you about 2.
7 mg of hypericin.
Always obtain your supplements from a reliable source to make sure that you are indeed taking herb and its active ingredients.
Cognitive behavioral therapy Primary and secondary depression can be alleviated through the help of cognitive behavioral therapy.
This approach is premised on the notion that psychological distress is due to distorted thoughts about situations that give rise to negative emotions.
Studies suggest that those with depression tend to experience negative thoughts that automatically arise as a response to stimuli that can also be perceived as positive.
For instance, your boss congratulated you on your amazing presentation at a client meeting.
Instead of being thrilled, you think, "I was really horrible during the whole presentation.
" The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to slowly "reframe" your thoughts by teaching you to check automatic responses against reality and other assumptions you might make.
Omega-3 fatty acids Consider hitting two birds with one stone with omega-3 fatty acids, a type of dietary fat that can alleviate both ADHD and depression.
Studies show that depression may be linked to low consumption of omega-3 fats, which make up the membranes of neurons and facilitate proper neurotransmitter communication.
Countries that consume more omega-3 fats from fish have a lower depression rate than North American and European countries.
You can obtain omega-3 fats from fatty cold water fish, but it's often better fish oil supplements to avoid the mercury and other chemicals that contaminate marine life.