Psychiatry

Answer 4 Major depression. A recent study found that adolescent and young women with ADHD had a 2.5 times higher risk for major depression compared with women without ADHD.7 Major depression in females with ADHD was associated with an earlier age at onset, increased duration of depression (by more than 2 times), more severe depression-associated impairment, a higher rate of suicidality, and a greater likelihood of requiring psychiatric hospitalization than major depression in females without ADHD.7 In this case, the recent worsening of symptoms could indicate an episode of major depression comorbid with ADHD. Delusional disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia are less likely. A thorough psychiatric evaluation should include screening questions to rule out other possible conditions, including potential comorbid conditions. Of note, evaluation of suicide risk should be included for any patient experiencing psychiatric symptoms. REFERENCES 7. Biederman J, Ball SW, Monuteaux MC, et al. New insights into the comorbidity between ADHD and major depression in adolescent and young adult females. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2008;47:426–34. Click here to return to the questions

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