2025.03.02ブログ
うつ症状を主訴にしている人に、ADHDやASDの合併は多く存在している、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科医が解説
うつ症状を主訴にしている人に、ADHDやASDの合併は多く存在している、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科医が解説
こんにちは、神奈川県厚木市の児童精神科専門クリニック、きもとメンタルクリニックです。
今回は、うつ症状を主訴にしている人に、ADHDやASDの合併は多く存在している、について解説します。
メンタルクリニックが一般化されてきて、ちょっとした不調でも精神科に来院される方は増えたと思います。
うつ病の診断は満たしていないけど、うつ症状はある、という方はかなり多いです。
しかし大人であれば、多くの方がいきなり症状がでた、というよりは、仕事や人間関係でのストレスがなんとなくあって、少しずつ調子を悪くしていった、というストーリーが多いです。
となると、表面にでている、うつ症状を内服で治療しようとしても、効果がでないどころか、副作用の方が目立ち、逆に調子が悪くなったとなりかねません。
仕事や人間関係でうまくいっていない方を掘り下げると、そこにADHDやASDが隠れていることは少なからずあります。
見つけてあげることができれば、自分自身を深く知ることができますし、これまでの過去を腑に落ちることができるだけでも、肩の荷がおりて気持ちが楽になることもあります。
またADHDであれば、ADHD内服はかなり効果を発揮するので、日常生活や仕事での困りごと自体が解決する可能性もあります。
どうしても大人になるまで問題になっていなかったADHDやASDの方は、特徴もはっきりしていないことが多く、一般精神科では見つけることができないことが多いです。
大人でも児童精神科外来にはこれますので、少しでも気になることがあれば、当院へご相談ください。
人生を変える、きっかけを作るお手伝いができるかもしれません。
Today, I’d like to explain why many individuals with depressive symptoms also have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
1. The Overlap Between Depression, ADHD, and ASD
With mental health awareness increasing, more people are visiting psychiatric clinics for even mild symptoms.
✅ Many patients do not meet the full criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) but still experience depressive symptoms.
✅ In adults, depressive symptoms often develop gradually due to work-related stress and interpersonal difficulties, rather than appearing suddenly.
📌 If depression stems from underlying difficulties in work or social life, treating only the depressive symptoms with medication may not be effective.
📌 In some cases, antidepressants may even worsen symptoms due to side effects.
When we look deeper into these difficulties, undiagnosed ADHD or ASD is often present.
2. Why ADHD and ASD Often Go Undiagnosed in Adults
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD or ASD experience:
✅ Chronic work stress due to difficulties with organization, focus, or communication
✅ Repeated social struggles due to misinterpretations or difficulty understanding social cues
✅ A history of burnout or job changes due to inability to manage tasks efficiently
✅ Emotional exhaustion from trying to "fit in" with neurotypical expectations
📌 In adulthood, ADHD and ASD symptoms may not be as obvious as in childhood, making diagnosis more challenging.
📌 General psychiatric clinics often focus on treating depression itself, overlooking underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
3. How Identifying ADHD or ASD Can Help
If ADHD or ASD is identified:
✅ Self-awareness improves, allowing individuals to understand past struggles and relieve long-standing stress.
✅ ADHD medication can be highly effective, helping to resolve daily life and work challenges.
✅ Tailored coping strategies can be developed to improve work performance and interpersonal relationships.
📌 Even just understanding one's own neurodiversity can significantly ease emotional burdens.
4. When to Suspect ADHD or ASD in Adults
If you experience depressive symptoms along with any of the following, ADHD or ASD might be present:
✅ For ADHD:
Easily distracted and struggle to complete tasks
Forgetful, misplace things frequently
Procrastinate, but hyper-focus on specific interests
Impulsive decision-making or difficulty managing time
✅ For ASD:
Struggle with social interactions, misunderstand jokes or nuances
Prefer routines, dislike unexpected changes
Deeply focus on specific topics but struggle with general flexibility
Feel mentally exhausted from social interactions
5. Seeking the Right Diagnosis and Support
Since undiagnosed ADHD or ASD can lead to long-term struggles, proper evaluation and diagnosis are crucial.
📌 Even adults can visit child psychiatry clinics to receive a more specialized neurodevelopmental assessment.
📌 If any of these symptoms sound familiar, seeking a consultation could be life-changing.
At Wako Clinic, we strive to help patients discover their true selves and find ways to thrive.
If you’re struggling with depressive symptoms but medications haven’t worked, ADHD or ASD could be an underlying factor.
Please feel free to reach out—we may be able to help you take the first step toward a better quality of life.
