A recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry showed that children diagnosed with ADHD between 4 to 6 years old were at higher risk of developing depression and suicidality in their teen years. Girls were at especially higher risk than boys. Patients with Attention Deficit Disorder have different subtypes, with and without Hyperactivity. It appeared that patients with just attention problems were at higher risk of depression and those with hyperactivity were at higher risk of suicidality.
This study indicates the importance of identifying and treating ADHD as early as possible to prevent these issues. Parents should discuss treatment options with their physicians. ADHD can be treated with medications and/or cognitive behavioral therapy.
An excellent book on Attention Deficit Disorder is Driven to Distraction; this book is written in clear understandable language.
