QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
Can Ritalin cause children to feel depressed? My cousin is 12 years old and he is always very hyper, but when he takes Ritalin he gets gloomy and sad. He sits down and wants to be by himself. Please let me know how to help?
ANSWER:
30% of those with ADHD are depressed. There is a significant difference between
Dexedrine or Adderall and Ritalin regarding depression. Ritalin seems to
"unmask" depression, whereas Adderall temporarily "treats" the
depression - and the patient gets depressed when it wears off. Ritalin has no significant
affect on serotonin, whereas Adderall temporarily raises the serotonin while it's in
the system.
I recommend looking for the diagnosis of depression, treating it, and then seeing what
happens when Ritalin is reintroduced.
The literature describes increased depression as a side effect of Ritalin. However, every
child I've treated for depression after this problem subsequently took the Ritalin
and got the expected positive results without experiencing a worsening depression.
