Dependent Stress Mediates the Relation Between ADHD Symptoms and Depression.
Natali Rychik1, Alyssa Fassett-Carman1, Hannah R Snyder1
1Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|June 5, 2020
Summary
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms contribute to depression in emerging adults by increasing dependent stress. This stress generation pathway links ADHD symptoms to later depressive symptoms, regardless of symptom type.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression are highly comorbid conditions.
- ADHD symptoms in children are linked to self-generated (dependent) stressors, which are associated with depression.
- The relationship between ADHD, stress generation, and depression in emerging adulthood remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether stress generation mediates the link between ADHD symptoms and subsequent depressive symptoms in college students.
- To examine if this mediation differs between inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptom presentations.
Main Methods:
- A semester-long longitudinal study was conducted with 224 college students (aged 18-23).
- Baseline ADHD symptoms (inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive) and dependent stress were assessed.
- Depressive symptoms were measured at a later time point to test the mediation model.
Main Results:
- Dependent stress significantly mediated the relationship between total ADHD symptoms at baseline and depressive symptoms later in the semester.
- The mediating effect of stress generation was consistent for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptom subtypes.
- No significant differences were found in the mediation pathway between ADHD symptom presentations.
Conclusions:
- Stress generation is a significant mechanism linking ADHD symptoms to the development of depression in emerging adulthood.
- Interventions targeting stress generation may be beneficial for individuals with ADHD symptoms to prevent or mitigate depression.
- Understanding this pathway is crucial for addressing the high comorbidity of ADHD and depression in young adults.
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