Depression in children and adolescents with ADHD : a systematic literature review

Abstract: Introduction: Poor mental health in children and adolescents is a growing public health concern. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder in youth, impacting their mental well-being. Understanding the link between ADHD and comorbid disorders such as depression is crucial for the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD. Aim: The aim was to perform a systematic literature review to explore the type of available studies and if there is an increased risk of depression among children and adolescents with ADHD compared to controls. Materials and methods: PubMed and PsycInfo identified 18 relevant articles (January 2014 to October 2023). Inclusion criteria required a diagnosis of ADHD and depression or relevant symptoms. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale evaluated risk of bias and data were extracted for analysis. Results: Out of 1,136,320 participants in the 18 studies, 83% reported a statistically significant higher rate of depression or depressive symptoms in individuals with ADHD. The risk varied, with hazard ratios in two larger studies ranging from 7.16 to 8.64. Risk of bias also varied, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation. Discussion: The findings highlight the need for thorough assessment of depression symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. The study emphasizes the importance of updating guidelines to include specific screening for depression in this population and the potential benefits of early intervention to prevent or alleviate comorbid depression. Conclusion: This study reinforces the significant ADHD-depression association in children and adolescents, urging increased attention and intervention strategies for improved care and treatment.