ADHD, Autism, and Depression
Why anhedonia and depression are more common in Neurodivergent folks
Sensitive topic warning
Depression can be a really tough subject to talk, think, or read about for many people. In fact, that’s probably why this is the first time I’ve addressed the subject of depression in three years of writing full-time.
While I won’t describe anything in detail, this post will touch on the topic of severe or major depression and suicidal ideation. This is part one of a two-part article. This first piece covers the essential information about depression and why we have an increased risk of mood disorders.
My follow-up article will discuss some ways we can prevent, reduce, or cope with depression.
What is anhedonia?
Anhedonia refers to a reduced ability to experience emotional and psychological pleasure, which is a key symptom of depression.
The DSM-V criteria for depression are:
Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.
Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
A slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movement (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
According to the DSM, a person must be experiencing five or more of the above symptoms during the same 2-week period, and at least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Some essential stats
According to Stats Canada, the prevalence rate for major depression in the general population in Canada is estimated at 6%;
The prevalence rate for depression in Autistic teenagers with ADHD was estimated at 40%;
The prevalence rate for depression in Autistic adults is estimated to be 37%; and
The prevalence rate for depression in adults with ADHD is estimated to be 33%.
Why would Autistics and ADHDers be more likely to suffer from depression?
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