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Q.

My son is 13 and is depressed. He has been taking Vyvanse for the last 3 years and never had a problem. Can you help?

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Patricia O. Quinn, MDPatricia O. Quinn, MDSUCCESS!
Patricia O. Quinn, MD
ADHD
12 Answers
67 Helpful Votes
13 Followers
A.

While any of the stimulant medications can increase depressive symptoms. It's important to pay attention to this change in your son's mood and take him to a mental health professional for an assessment.

Children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD) at early are more likely to suffer from depression as adolescents than those who did not have ADHD according to a long-term study published in the October issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. Although it was an uncommon occurrence, the children with ADHD also were somewhat more likely to think about or attempt suicide as adolescents. The study, performed by researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of Pittsburgh,followed 123 children diagnosed with ADHD at age 4 to 6 for up to 14 years, until they reached ages 18 to 20. It compared them with 119 children from similar neighborhoods and schools, matched for age, sex, and ethnicity.

The researchers found that 18 percent of children diagnosed early with ADHD suffered from depression as adolescents, about 10 times the rate among those without ADHD. Children with early ADHD were five times as likely to have considered suicide at least once, and twice as likely to have made an attempt.

Please get your son evaluated.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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