ADHD, Mood Disorders & Anxiety: 5 Ways to Manage Mood Swings

ADHD tied to mood disorders like depression

Living with a mood disorder can feel overwhelming. For neurodivergent individuals, especially those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it can be even harder.

ADHD often coexists with mood and anxiety disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety. In fact, research suggests that up to 30% of children with ADHD will experience a mood disorder^[1]. The overlapping symptoms between these conditions, along with ADHD’s impact on emotional regulation, can make it hard to tell them apart — complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Let’s explore how to distinguish these conditions, the challenges they bring and practical tips for managing ADHD mood swings. Whether you’re living with ADHD and a mood disorder or supporting a loved one, we’re here to help you understand and navigate these conditions.

Key differences between ADHD and mood disorders

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts the brain’s ability to concentrate, plan and carry out tasks. Mood disorders, on the other hand, are mental health conditions that affect someone’s emotional state in ways that interfere with everyday life. Both are forms of neurodivergence, meaning they represent unique variations in the brain that shape how individuals think, learn and behave. However, they also have key differences.

Diagnosing ADHD and mood disorders can be tricky because their symptoms often overlap. For example, both can cause difficulty concentrating and irritability. ADHD’s impact on executive function can also mimic the cognitive symptoms of depression, such as forgetfulness and lack of motivation. Recognizing the differences is crucial to prevent misdiagnoses and develop tailored treatment plans to manage symptoms effectively.

ADHD and depression

Adults with ADHD experience co-occurring major depressive disorder at very high rates, up to 50%^[2]. Both ADHD and depression can lead to trouble with motivation, focusing, sluggishness and low frustration tolerance, but there are key differences ^[3,4].

• ADHD often leads to irritability and frustration, while depression is characterized by deep sadness and loss of interest in activities.
• People with ADHD consistently struggle with concentration, whereas those with depression experience concentration issues primarily during depressive episodes.
• Individuals with ADHD typically have trouble falling asleep, while those with depression may fall asleep quickly but wake up frequently during the night
• ADHD can cause feelings of being overwhelmed by choices, whereas depression results in general lethargy and difficulty initiating activities.

Howard Weeks, MD, MBA, DFAPA, DFAACAP, chief medical officer at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center (Pathlight), further explains how depression differs from typical mood disturbances seen in ADHD:

“Depression is constant; it’s severe sadness. It has significant effects on your body, including cardiovascular and weight effects, and it also impacts cognitive function. When people are severely depressed, they don’t think as clearly as they normally do.”

ADHD can exacerbate these depressive symptoms, highlighting the intricate relationship between these conditions and the need for comprehensive, nuanced care.

ADHD and bipolar disorder

Studies have found that bipolar disorder is present in up to 47% of adults with ADHD ^[5]. Because these conditions so frequently co-occur, properly distinguishing between them is essential ^[6]. First, let’s look at the different types of bipolar disorder.

• Bipolar I involves severe week-long manic episodes, sometimes followed by depressive episodes.
• Bipolar II involves less intense hypomanic and depressive episodes.
• Cyclothymia happens when “you kind of go back and forth between elevated mood and depressed mood, but you’re not really meeting full depression or full bipolar, and you can have some other variations,” explains Dr. Weeks.

ADHD and bipolar disorders involve mood swings, risky behaviors and difficulty regulating emotions. Therefore, understanding the spectrum of bipolar conditions can help us differentiate them. If you noticed above, bipolar mood changes typically last more than four days up to several weeks. On the other hand, ADHD involves more short-term, reactive mood changes without prolonged episodes. Familiarizing yourself with these differences can help with identifying the conditions, finding the right treatment approach and reducing bipolar disorder stigma.

ADHD and anxiety

Nearly 35% of adults with ADHD also experience anxiety, and those with both often face more severe symptoms and a greater risk for behaviors like substance abuse ^[5].

“While having anxiety is normal, there are certainly times when people have what we call anxiety disorders. Basically, that emotional floodgate gets out of whack, and it gets overwhelming for the person so that their anxiety impedes their ability to function,” says Dr. Weeks.

Anxiety can make ADHD symptoms worse and vice versa. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with focusing and organizing tasks, and when anxiety is also present, these struggles can intensify. Both ADHD and anxiety also involve restlessness but in different ways. ADHD-related restlessness isn’t usually tied to constant worry, while anxiety often brings excessive worry, fear and stress — sometimes even about ADHD.

A closer look at the interplay between ADHD and anxiety reveals that not all symptoms exacerbate one another. For example, anxiety in adults can curb the impulsivity typically seen in ADHD ^[4]. This shows just how complex these conditions can be for those living with both.

5 tips for managing ADHD mood swings

If you or a loved one is experiencing mood swings as a result of ADHD, a mood disorder or both, Kim Anderson, PhD, CEDS, executive director at Pathlight, recommends trying these five tips.

1. Monitor yourself

Pay attention to when, where and why your mood swings happen. Once you know your triggers, you can plan ways to prevent and manage them. Many apps can help with this, but paper and pencil work great, too.

2. Incorporate relaxation into your daily routine

Try practicing breathing and mindfulness skills as well as muscle relaxation, exercise or yoga. Relaxation training is a great way to calm your nervous system, which may help improve emotion regulation, even during times of stress.

3. Prioritize your self-care basics

Establish consistent routines for meals and sleep. Being hungry and tired are two very common ADHD mood swing triggers, often leading to irritability and reduced frustration tolerance. Implementing these routines can have a major positive impact on emotions and stress management.

4. Stay connected to those who support you

Keep in touch with friends, family, support groups or mental health experts who understand you. Regularly connecting with your support network can provide emotional stability and help you feel less alone.

5. Identify thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to mood swings

Notice any negative, critical or extreme thoughts you might have and practice taking more positive, compassionate and realistic perspectives. This shift can have significant effects on your mood.

Mood disorder treatment for those with ADHD

If you identify with any of the symptoms described above, it’s important to avoid self-diagnosing and consult an experienced mental health professional. Untreated ADHD can lead to mood disorders when symptoms like impulsivity and reduced concentration begin to impact daily functioning. “This may lead to feelings of frustration, sadness or low self-esteem, which in turn can lead to other mental health concerns, including eating disorders and depression,” explains Dr. Anderson. If you feel your symptoms are impacting your social life, school or work performance, it’s a sign to seek professional help.

“Here at Pathlight, ADHD and all comorbid conditions are treated concurrently by a multidisciplinary team including a psychiatrist, primary care physician, licensed therapist and an education specialist,” explains Dr. Anderson. “Our comprehensive approach is designed to target coexisting neurodivergent conditions simultaneously.”

The best results are seen when a team works together to find the proper medication, therapy and/or lifestyle changes that suit each unique individual.

If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD, a mood disorder or both, call us at 877-825-8584 or fill out this form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a master’s-level clinician. From your initial call through your entire journey with us -- and long after -- we are committed to guiding you on your personal path to recovery. a free, confidential consultation with a master’s-level clinician. From your initial call through your entire journey with us — and long after — we are committed to guiding you on your personal path to recovery.

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