(Continued from page5) ADHD Children and Depression
result from the day to day struggles that having ADHD can cause. Although such struggles may be an important risk factor that makes the development of depression in children with ADHD more likely, depression in children with ADHD is often a distinct disorder and not merely "demoralization."
The results of one recent study indicated that the strongest predictor of persistent major depression in children with ADHD was interpersonal difficulties (i.e. being unable to get along well with peers). In contrast, school difficulty and severity of ADHD symptoms were not associated with persistent major depression. In addition, the marked diminishment of ADHD symptoms did not necessarily predict a corresponding remission of depressive symptoms. In other words, the course of ADHD symptoms and the course of depressive symptoms in this sample of children appeared to be relatively distinct.
Implications: Depression in children can be effectively treated with psychological intervention. In fact, the evidence to support the efficacy of psychological interventions for depression in children and adolescents is currently more compelling than the evidence supporting the use of medication.
The important point that can be taken from this study, I think, is that parents need to be sensitive to recognizing the symptoms in their child, and not to imply assume that it is just another facet of the child's ADHD. In addition, if a child with ADHD does develop depression as well, treatments that target the depressive symptoms specifically need to be implemented. As the studies show, one should not assume that just addressing the difficulties caused by the ADHD symptoms will also elevate a child's depression.
If you have concerns about depression in your child, a thorough evaluation by an experienced child mental health professional is strongly recommended. This can be a difficult diagnosis to correctly make in children, and you really want to be dealing with someone who has extensive experience in this area.
David Rabiner, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist, Duke University. This article is reprinted with permission from the newsletter ADDed Attractions can be located the the Web site www.ADHDNews.com
Calendar of Events
Parent Educators - Mark your calendar for the following events. If your organization has an event you with The Parent Educator to help promote, please send the information to: The Center for Effective Parenting, 614 E. Emma, Suite 113, Springdale, AR 72764 or e-mail to mgenge@jtlshop.jonesnet.org
2nd Annual Arkansas Conference
for Parent Educators
Keys to Success
May 1-3, 2000
Jones Center for Families
Springdale, Arkansas
Featuring nationally acclaimed keynote presenters: Hamilton McCubbin, Ph.D., (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Naomi Haines Griffith, MA, MSW (author of "Red Clay and Vinegar") and Honorable Glenda Hatchett (Fulton County Juvenile Court in Atlanta). The conference will also feature:
Pre-Conference Institute (May 1, 2000)
Over 25 workshops (May 2-3, 2000)
Multiple networking opportunities
Visionary Sponsors: Center for Effective Parenting and
Arkansas Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Board
Co-Sponsors: State of Arkansas Department of Education
Contributors: AR Assoc. of Family & Consumer Sciences
Registration information will be mailed in February 2000. To receive a
brochure, email the requested information to:
acapcarol@aol.com
or
kahlerpamj@exchange.uams.edu