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Key TakeawaysThere is a link between ADHD and suicidal ideation.Research notes that girls are more at risk for suicidal thoughts, while boys are more at risk for completing the act of suicide.Several organizations offer resources to help youth living with ADHD and their parents, including insight on getting the mental health support they need.Approximately 6 million children in the United States ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it is “one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.”Kids with this condition may have problems sitting still, being attentive, and controlling impulsivity.They may also be at greater risk for self-harm.“ADHD has a positive association with suicide or suicidal behavior and ideation. While the association may be dependent on other factors, individuals with ADHD have a higher likelihood of attempting or completing suicide,” explainsSussan Nwogwugwu, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner forDone, a digital health company that helps those living with ADHD.As we bring insight to issues surrounding suicide during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we look at reasons for the link betweenADHDand suicide, groups that may be more at risk for suicidal ideations, and resources that can help kids and their parents.Top ADHD Resources for AdultsUnderstanding ADHD and SuicideAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in kids. ADHD leads to physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that impacts a child’s developmental functioning.A mental health or healthcare professional who makes the ADHD diagnosis looks for specific criteria.Extreme difficulty with paying attention is a sign of ADHD. Kids may have trouble paying attention in school or focusing on specific instructions during activities. Being easily distracted is another symptom, along with not following through on finishing projects or chores. Constantly losing important items can also be a warning sign.Sussan Nwogwugwu, PMNHPWhile the association may be dependent on other factors, individuals with ADHD have a higher likelihood of attempting or completing suicide.Children with ADHD can also have symptoms ofhyperactivityand impulsivity. This includes excessive talking, interrupting others or an inability to wait to speak, trouble with taking part in quiet activities, and a hard time staying still or seated.Some of those traits can make kids more susceptible to thoughts of suicide.“ADHD, especially when untreated, can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, which combined with the impulsivity that can often accompany ADHD, can lead to increased suicidal ideation and even suicidal gestures or parasuicidal behavior,” saysZoe A. Martinez MD, PhD, Regional Medical Director at Done.Impulsivity and SuicidalityThe nature of impulsivity has a lot to do with the link to suicide.“People with high impulses don’t think things through. Sometimes they act and don’t really give full consideration to outcomes,” notesMayra Mendez, PhD, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist and program coordinator for intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health services at Providence Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center.Other conditions also play a part. “It’s really important to understand…that it doesn’t happen in isolation. There are usually other things going on,” adds Dr. Mendez.Research shows that depression in someone with ADHD significantly increases the possibility of suicide.The Relationship Between Depression and ADHDSomeone with ADHD who also deals with anxiety is at greater risk.Family history and the household dynamic can also be a contributing factor.“Raising children with ADHD in dysfunctional settings increases theirstress. The low tolerance to stress increases the risk for suicide significantly,” explains Nwogwugwu. “In addition, other predisposing factors include a history of a substance use disorder, lower-level education, and experiencing parental domestic violence during childhood.”Genderalso plays a part. Studies show that girls with ADHD have a higher rate of suicidal ideations than boys.However, when looking at suicide completion, research notes that the numbers are higher among males than females with ADHD and comorbid diagnoses, such as depression.Understanding the link between ADHD and suicide is the first step in offering children and their parents the help that they need.Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in ChildrenSigns and ResourcesIt’s critical for caregivers and loved ones to know what signs to look for in a child with ADHD who is coping withsuicidal thoughts.“We might see a lot more withdrawing, maybe sadness, a person that’s looking down, but not always. Sometimes they mask sad feelings really well,” notes Dr. Mendez. Feelings of hopelessness or disinterest in life are also red flags.Experts say raising the level of awareness of issues children with ADHD face, as well as raising awareness about signs of suicide, is imperative. Erasing thestigmaassociated with bringing up these issues, and addressing risk factors, is also key.“The differences imply the need for targeted interventions that address specific gender vulnerabilities,” notes Nwogwugwu. “While pharmacological interventions are critical, it is essential to incorporate psychosocial strategies that target organizational, attention, and social skills,” she adds.Methods to cope with mental health issues, as well asADHD symptoms, can help lessen the risk of suicidal thoughts.Mayra Mendez, PhDPeople with high impulses don’t think things through. Sometimes they act and don’t really give full consideration to outcomes.Organizations and websites offer an abundance of resources.“Individuals, families, and caregivers could benefit from a multiplicity of resources to deal with the problem. Some of the resources include theAttention Deficit Disorder Association,Mental Health America,National Alliance on Mental Illness, [and]National Institute of Mental Health,” recommends Nwogwugwu.CHADDalso offers an enormous amount of information for those living with ADHD, including magazines, newsletters, and a supportive community. Your child’s pediatrician and mental health facilities can also give a wealth of information.Ultimately, experts say that being prepared is one of the best ways to help someone you love deal withthoughts of suicide.“Be aware of your triggers,” Nwogwugwu concludes. “Seek emotional and professional support when necessary.”What This Means For YouWhile experts acknowledge that there is a link between ADHD and suicidal ideations, they also offer hope. Helping children to get the mental, emotional, and physical support they need, as well as knowing what warning signs to look for, can be the first step in helping to save a life.Youth Suicidal Ideation Is on the Rise, Does Social Media Play a Role?
Key TakeawaysThere is a link between ADHD and suicidal ideation.Research notes that girls are more at risk for suicidal thoughts, while boys are more at risk for completing the act of suicide.Several organizations offer resources to help youth living with ADHD and their parents, including insight on getting the mental health support they need.
Key Takeaways
There is a link between ADHD and suicidal ideation.Research notes that girls are more at risk for suicidal thoughts, while boys are more at risk for completing the act of suicide.Several organizations offer resources to help youth living with ADHD and their parents, including insight on getting the mental health support they need.
Approximately 6 million children in the United States ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it is “one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.”Kids with this condition may have problems sitting still, being attentive, and controlling impulsivity.
They may also be at greater risk for self-harm.
“ADHD has a positive association with suicide or suicidal behavior and ideation. While the association may be dependent on other factors, individuals with ADHD have a higher likelihood of attempting or completing suicide,” explainsSussan Nwogwugwu, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner forDone, a digital health company that helps those living with ADHD.
As we bring insight to issues surrounding suicide during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we look at reasons for the link betweenADHDand suicide, groups that may be more at risk for suicidal ideations, and resources that can help kids and their parents.
Top ADHD Resources for Adults
Understanding ADHD and Suicide
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in kids. ADHD leads to physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that impacts a child’s developmental functioning.
A mental health or healthcare professional who makes the ADHD diagnosis looks for specific criteria.Extreme difficulty with paying attention is a sign of ADHD. Kids may have trouble paying attention in school or focusing on specific instructions during activities. Being easily distracted is another symptom, along with not following through on finishing projects or chores. Constantly losing important items can also be a warning sign.
Sussan Nwogwugwu, PMNHPWhile the association may be dependent on other factors, individuals with ADHD have a higher likelihood of attempting or completing suicide.
Sussan Nwogwugwu, PMNHP
While the association may be dependent on other factors, individuals with ADHD have a higher likelihood of attempting or completing suicide.
Children with ADHD can also have symptoms ofhyperactivityand impulsivity. This includes excessive talking, interrupting others or an inability to wait to speak, trouble with taking part in quiet activities, and a hard time staying still or seated.
Some of those traits can make kids more susceptible to thoughts of suicide.
“ADHD, especially when untreated, can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, which combined with the impulsivity that can often accompany ADHD, can lead to increased suicidal ideation and even suicidal gestures or parasuicidal behavior,” saysZoe A. Martinez MD, PhD, Regional Medical Director at Done.
Impulsivity and Suicidality
The nature of impulsivity has a lot to do with the link to suicide.
“People with high impulses don’t think things through. Sometimes they act and don’t really give full consideration to outcomes,” notesMayra Mendez, PhD, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist and program coordinator for intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health services at Providence Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center.
Other conditions also play a part. “It’s really important to understand…that it doesn’t happen in isolation. There are usually other things going on,” adds Dr. Mendez.
Research shows that depression in someone with ADHD significantly increases the possibility of suicide.
The Relationship Between Depression and ADHD
Someone with ADHD who also deals with anxiety is at greater risk.Family history and the household dynamic can also be a contributing factor.
“Raising children with ADHD in dysfunctional settings increases theirstress. The low tolerance to stress increases the risk for suicide significantly,” explains Nwogwugwu. “In addition, other predisposing factors include a history of a substance use disorder, lower-level education, and experiencing parental domestic violence during childhood.”
Genderalso plays a part. Studies show that girls with ADHD have a higher rate of suicidal ideations than boys.However, when looking at suicide completion, research notes that the numbers are higher among males than females with ADHD and comorbid diagnoses, such as depression.
Understanding the link between ADHD and suicide is the first step in offering children and their parents the help that they need.
Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in Children
Signs and Resources
It’s critical for caregivers and loved ones to know what signs to look for in a child with ADHD who is coping withsuicidal thoughts.
“We might see a lot more withdrawing, maybe sadness, a person that’s looking down, but not always. Sometimes they mask sad feelings really well,” notes Dr. Mendez. Feelings of hopelessness or disinterest in life are also red flags.
Experts say raising the level of awareness of issues children with ADHD face, as well as raising awareness about signs of suicide, is imperative. Erasing thestigmaassociated with bringing up these issues, and addressing risk factors, is also key.
“The differences imply the need for targeted interventions that address specific gender vulnerabilities,” notes Nwogwugwu. “While pharmacological interventions are critical, it is essential to incorporate psychosocial strategies that target organizational, attention, and social skills,” she adds.
Methods to cope with mental health issues, as well asADHD symptoms, can help lessen the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Mayra Mendez, PhDPeople with high impulses don’t think things through. Sometimes they act and don’t really give full consideration to outcomes.
Mayra Mendez, PhD
People with high impulses don’t think things through. Sometimes they act and don’t really give full consideration to outcomes.
Organizations and websites offer an abundance of resources.
“Individuals, families, and caregivers could benefit from a multiplicity of resources to deal with the problem. Some of the resources include theAttention Deficit Disorder Association,Mental Health America,National Alliance on Mental Illness, [and]National Institute of Mental Health,” recommends Nwogwugwu.
CHADDalso offers an enormous amount of information for those living with ADHD, including magazines, newsletters, and a supportive community. Your child’s pediatrician and mental health facilities can also give a wealth of information.
Ultimately, experts say that being prepared is one of the best ways to help someone you love deal withthoughts of suicide.
“Be aware of your triggers,” Nwogwugwu concludes. “Seek emotional and professional support when necessary.”
What This Means For YouWhile experts acknowledge that there is a link between ADHD and suicidal ideations, they also offer hope. Helping children to get the mental, emotional, and physical support they need, as well as knowing what warning signs to look for, can be the first step in helping to save a life.
What This Means For You
While experts acknowledge that there is a link between ADHD and suicidal ideations, they also offer hope. Helping children to get the mental, emotional, and physical support they need, as well as knowing what warning signs to look for, can be the first step in helping to save a life.
Youth Suicidal Ideation Is on the Rise, Does Social Media Play a Role?
8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD.CHADD.Suicidality and ADHD.Shen Y, Chan BSM, Huang C, et al.Suicidal behaviors and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A cross-sectional study among Chinese medical college students.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):258. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03247-6Chen YY, Chen YL, Gau SSF.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and suicidality: The mediating effects of psychiatric comorbidities and family function.J Affect Disord. 2019;242:96-104. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.08.023Kakuszi B, Bitter I, Czobor P.Suicidal ideation in adult ADHD: Gender difference with a specific psychopathological profile.Compr Psychiatry. 2018;85:23-29. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.06.003Balazs J, Kereszteny A.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and suicide: A systematic review.World J Psychiatry. 2017;7(1):44-59. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i1.44
8 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD.CHADD.Suicidality and ADHD.Shen Y, Chan BSM, Huang C, et al.Suicidal behaviors and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A cross-sectional study among Chinese medical college students.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):258. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03247-6Chen YY, Chen YL, Gau SSF.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and suicidality: The mediating effects of psychiatric comorbidities and family function.J Affect Disord. 2019;242:96-104. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.08.023Kakuszi B, Bitter I, Czobor P.Suicidal ideation in adult ADHD: Gender difference with a specific psychopathological profile.Compr Psychiatry. 2018;85:23-29. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.06.003Balazs J, Kereszteny A.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and suicide: A systematic review.World J Psychiatry. 2017;7(1):44-59. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i1.44
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD.CHADD.Suicidality and ADHD.Shen Y, Chan BSM, Huang C, et al.Suicidal behaviors and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A cross-sectional study among Chinese medical college students.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):258. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03247-6Chen YY, Chen YL, Gau SSF.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and suicidality: The mediating effects of psychiatric comorbidities and family function.J Affect Disord. 2019;242:96-104. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.08.023Kakuszi B, Bitter I, Czobor P.Suicidal ideation in adult ADHD: Gender difference with a specific psychopathological profile.Compr Psychiatry. 2018;85:23-29. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.06.003Balazs J, Kereszteny A.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and suicide: A systematic review.World J Psychiatry. 2017;7(1):44-59. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i1.44
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is ADHD?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD.
CHADD.Suicidality and ADHD.
Shen Y, Chan BSM, Huang C, et al.Suicidal behaviors and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A cross-sectional study among Chinese medical college students.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):258. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03247-6
Chen YY, Chen YL, Gau SSF.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and suicidality: The mediating effects of psychiatric comorbidities and family function.J Affect Disord. 2019;242:96-104. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.08.023
Kakuszi B, Bitter I, Czobor P.Suicidal ideation in adult ADHD: Gender difference with a specific psychopathological profile.Compr Psychiatry. 2018;85:23-29. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.06.003
Balazs J, Kereszteny A.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and suicide: A systematic review.World J Psychiatry. 2017;7(1):44-59. doi:10.5498/wjp.v7.i1.44
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