ADHD in Youth With Major Depressive Disorder in the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN): Clinical Correlates and Moderators.

Abstract

Objective: Depression is a major public health concern with a 19% lifetime prevalence in youth, often precipitating other concerns, including suicidal behavior, poor school performance, and worsened peer relationships. ADHD is also common among youth and frequently presents alongside major depressive disorder (MDD), with this comorbidity associated with increased impairment. More research is needed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of this comorbidity (MDD + ADHD), especially as it relates to youth with MDD and no ADHD (MDD - ADHD). The present study examined the clinical correlates of MDD + ADHD in youth and the presence of an ADHD diagnosis as a moderator of the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidality, peer relationships, and school functioning, respectively.

Methods: Our sample included 797 youth with MDD ages 8 to 20 years (M_age = 15.5 years) with and without ADHD.

Results: Youth with MDD + ADHD experienced more severe depressive symptoms, higher levels of suicidality, impulsivity, and irritability, and worse academic performance compared to those with MDD - ADHD. ADHD diagnosis did not moderate the relationships between depression severity and suicidality, peer relationships, or school functioning, respectively, suggesting that having an ADHD diagnosis may not affect these outcomes in depressed youth in this way.

Conclusion: Findings shed light on the impact of ADHD in depressed youth, which may allow for earlier and more tailored intervention efforts aimed at identifying and targeting depression, suicidality, peer relationships, and school functioning.