The human body sometimes works in ways, that surprise us. The word depression has now become very popular and almost rolls off the tongue quite easily. In today’s world, the term simply comes out of people’s mouths, without many knowing how grave depression can be. Before knowing the association between Adderall and depression, let’s have a broader perspective of what depression is and let’s understand if can Adderall cause depression.
1. What Does Depression Mean?
The feeling of severe despondency and dejection is termed a depression, in psychiatry. To explain it broadly or in medical terminology, depression is a significant mental health condition presented by the perpetual feeling of sorrow, hopelessness, and nonchalance in endeavors and amusements. The effects of depression aren’t only mental but also bring alterations in a person’s sentiments, moods, and overall physical well-being.
Several symptoms characterize depression, out of which the most common symptoms include disturbances in sleep, persistent exhaustion, appetite instability, and problems while concentrating. For anyone who might be going through these symptoms, pursuing competent medical help to implement proper treatment is the way to cure depression. The earlier the medical intervention, the more significant are differences in managing the symptoms and boosting the overall welfare.
2. How Does Depression Begin?
Depression can begin from the blend of a variety of symptoms that include psychological, biological, and environmental factors and is usually considered to be a convoluted or complex mental health disorder. Although the reasons for its onset, generally differ from individual to individual, certain key reasons have been pinpointed as possible partakers in the inception of this mental distress.
The role played by biological factors in the onset of depression is significant. These primarily include neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine variations or discrepancies, that are responsible for the regulation of mood and feelings, and hence contribute to the growth of depression. There are also chances of depression due to genetic factors, if one has a family history of depression, making them more susceptible.
The progression of depression can also be pinned on several psychological factors. Previous events of shock, distress, violence, and abuse, an inclination toward recalling nasty or unfavorable circumstances, personal attributes, pessimistic patterns of thought, compartmentalization, dissociation, and so on. Having low self-confidence or self-esteem makes one more susceptible to developing depression.
A pivotal part in the commencement of depression is played by certain environmental factors as well. Exhausting episodes in one’s life like the death of a loved one, financial stress, setbacks in relationships, or fundamental transformations in life, are responsible for triggering gloomy episodes. Furthermore, the lack of comfort, and feeling desolate can worsen the symptoms of depression.
Additionally, chronic or long-term illnesses, hormonal variances, and alcohol and drug abuse are some of the medical conditions that contribute to the development of depression and increase its risk. The blend of all the above factors creates a dreadful cycle and biological susceptibilities joined with terrible circumstances from life and psychological reasons, lead to the beginning of depression.
3. An Insight Into ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, abbreviated as ADHD is a form of neurodevelopmental disorder that is common in children and further can last till adulthood. The characteristic features of ADHD include chronic behavior of forgetfulness, feverishness, and hastiness that can notably affect an individual’s day-to-day functioning and lifestyle.
ADHD is characterized by several signs of inattentiveness that include hurdles in being attentive for prolonged periods, being more likely to make reckless errors, being oblivious regarding routine activities, and struggling to organize and manage tasks.
Extreme fooling around, agitation, and difficulty in being seated when the circumstances require a person to be placed are a few factors among many that are manifested by hyperactivity. A person is said to be impulsive when they act without considering the consequences, interrupts others, and has difficulty waiting for one’s turn.
It is normal for kids to incidentally act differently and lose focus. However, the ones diagnosed with ADHD do not usually come out of that phase. Symptoms that last long tend to interfere with one’s daily activities including going to school, staying at home, and socializing. Daydreaming frequently, forgetting things, fidgeting, being overly chatty, saying unnecessary things, and having trouble getting along with others are a few common symptoms.
4. What Are the Causes?
Researchers continue to study several reasons and risk factors, to formulate improved management measures to regulate the symptoms of ADHD and lower the odds of being diagnosed with it. While the exact causes and risk factors remain unknown, as per research genetic factors play a vital role in the development of ADHD. Brain injury, tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy, low birth weight, and premature birth are some factors among others that are still being studied.
Popular theories that ADHD is caused due to too much sugar intake, parenting styles, social factors, poverty, family issues, or watching too much television are revoked by researchers. Although they might play a part in elevating the symptoms, there is no shred of evidence to support the involvement of the above factors in causing ADHD.
5. ADHD and Depression
A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one’s behavior, emotions, and ways of learning is termed Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder better known as ADHD. The most common patients of ADHD are children and many go on to show symptoms into adulthood. On the other hand, a serious mental disorder that is usually characterized by feelings of sorrow and despair is termed depression and occurs in people irrespective of age factor.
Although the two are distinct mental disorders, they are likely to coexist while sharing several common symptoms. The relationship between ADHD and depression is termed to be a multidimensional and complex one. It has been found that an inconsistent number of children and adults with ADHD are susceptible to experiencing depression. As per studies by researchers at the University of Chicago, teenagers with ADHD are more seemingly to develop depression later in life as compared to those without it. Depression is also likely to occur in adults who suffer from ADHD.
A lot of times, it is difficult to distinguish between ADHD and depression, as there are multiple symptoms coexisting, synchronous, and common for both disorders. Furthermore, medications that are used to treat ADHD cause side effects that seem a lot like symptoms of depression. Loss of appetite, sleep disorders, frequent mood swings, and exhaustion, are among many side-effects caused due to ADHD medications.
6. What Is Adderall?
To put it in chemical terminology, Adderall and Mydayis are trademarks given to a blend drug known as mixed amphetamine salts, which contains four salts of amphetamine. A 3:1 ratio is maintained between the two enantiomers of amphetamine which are dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, and the compound altogether is a blend of equal parts racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
Simply put, Adderall is a combination medication commonly prescribed to people with ADHD or sometimes, narcolepsy. The working of Adderall can be described as bringing change in amounts of particular natural substances in the brain. The class of drugs amphetamine belongs to is called stimulants.
The objective is to increase one’s attention span and focus and manage behavioral problems. Although the drug finds usage in treating narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder, it should not be taken to hold off sleep, especially for people without a sleeping disorder.
7. The Side-Effects of Adderall
Conventionally, Adderall is productive and acclimatized when it comes to treating the signs of ADHD and narcolepsy. At remedial doses, Adderall is responsible for causing emotional and cognitive effects such as euphoria, variation in sexual desires, increased attentiveness, and enhanced cognitive control.
However, much higher doses of Adderall can cause negative effects on cognitive control, cause rapid muscle breakdown, evoke panic attacks, or induce paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Weight loss, loss of appetite, insomnia, and dry mouth are among the common side effects of Adderall but are likely to vary from person to person.
The possible cases where a person develops a reliance or attachment are almost trivial if Adderall is taken as directed at somewhat low routine doses, like the ones needed during the treatment of ADHD. Regardless, the regular use of Adderall in higher doses can become a consequential risk of overreliance due to the prominent emphasizing effects that are evident at larger doses.
The doses prescribed are much lower than casual doses of amphetamine and hence create a greater risk of developing an addiction.
8. How Adverse Adderall Can Be?
Adderall is composed of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is mostly recommended while treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Although the symptom-managing capability of Adderall is efficient, it can prove to be a potential risk factor in case of an overdose.
The physiological effects caused due to prolonged and regular Adderall intake are characterized by an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and potentially inconsistent heartbeats. People with preexisting heart diseases are more prone to risks of these cardiovascular alterations. Furthermore, Adderall can have negative consequences on appetite and lead to weight loss, later affecting growth in children and overall nutrition.
While Adderall helps psychologically by increasing and improving one’s alertness, concentration, and impulse, it can further lead to weariness, anxiety, or agitation. Occasionally, individuals are likely to experience mood swings, hallucinations, irritability, or even paranoia. Insomnia, alterations in sleep patterns, or frequent sleeping disorders are common side effects of Adderall and can have an unfavorable impact on overall well-being.
Adderall significantly affects the central nervous system as well which is manifested as headaches, dizziness, or tremors. Prolonged use or casual use of the drug can lead to the development of tolerance, reliance, and withdrawal symptoms when there is an abrupt stoppage and reduction in its usage. A person can have problems with decision making, remembering things, and there’s a chance of an increase in already existing mental health problems.
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, all of which are gastrointestinal effects of the drug can occur, affecting overall comfort and welfare. Allergic reactions, skin rash, or changes in sexual desire are some of the less adverse effects of the drug.
Adderall is capable of abuse and addiction as well, more when it is used outside of prescribed guidelines. There are serious consequences of Adderall misuse which lead to critical health risks that include complications in the cardiovascular system, declining mental health, and weakened social relationships.
It is important to know that the range of effects of Adderall misuse varies from person to person, depending on several factors such as dosage, duration, and overall health status. Anyone taking Adderall should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional, follow prescribed guidelines, and communicate openly about any emerging side effects.
9. Can Adderall Cause Depression?
The common treatment for people diagnosed with ADHD and narcolepsy is Adderall. However, there’s a risk of developing depression, when misused. With correct doses, the chances of developing depression are considered extremely rare.
The primary effects of Adderall are on the central nervous system when there’s an increase in the levels of certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for mood regulation. In some people, especially those with ADHD or misusage the incitement properties of Adderall lead to negative psychological effects such as anxiety, mood swings, and irritability, and after a longer period, it eventually leads to depression.
Irregular sleep patterns later leading to insomnia, are effects of Adderall, which is a popular risk factor for depression. Disturbances in one’s sleep cycle change the mood, brain function, and overall emotional health. With the effects of Adderall wearing off, people are also likely to experience fatigue, sorrow, and low energy.
People who take a higher dose than recommended or use it without medical supervision, are more likely to develop an addiction to Adderall as compared to the general population. The unprescribed utilization of stimulants can lead to higher chances of developing depression.
In case of a person already suffers from bipolar disorder or any other psychotic condition, it is advisable to be careful with Adderall consumption. Research suggests, there are cases where a doctor may recommend psychostimulants, like Adderall, to a person to help improve depression or bipolar disorder because it helps improve mood, energy, and focus. This way is only sought if the patient doesn’t react to other treatments.
Regardless of the negative effects of Adderall, not everyone who has ADHD and is under Adderall prescription, is going to develop depression. Many people with ADHD and narcolepsy find Adderall helpful to a greater extent. However, for those who are prone to the risks of depression, it is advisable to closely monitor them and consult a doctor when the symptoms worsen.
10. Summary
Taking all aspects and attributes into consideration, although Adderall is widely approved as an effective treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy, improper use of it can result in serious health complications, especially when it is taken without a medical need. Apart from developing symptoms of depression, Adderall can also be responsible for other side effects such as anxiety, sweating, hypertension, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain.
