Abstract
Background: Previous literature has established that ADHD symptoms are associated with increased dependent stress, or stress that an individual has a part in causing for themselves. Additionally, there is a strong link between dependent stress and depression. However, no previous studies have tested a longitudinal model examining dependent stress as a mediator in the relation between ADHD and subsequent depression symptoms. Furthermore, no studies have examined whether inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms are more predictive of dependent stress and depression. Methods: We examined this model in a semester-long longitudinal study of 153 emerging adult college students. Demographic and clinical (ADHD symptoms, dependent stress frequency, depression symptoms) information were collected via self-reported rating scales. Results: As hypothesized, the association between total ADHD symptoms at baseline and later depression symptoms was accounted for by dependent stress. There was no significant difference between the effects of inattentive versus hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms on subsequent dependent stress and depression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that increased generation of stressors is one mechanism that explains increases in depression for individuals with ADHD symptoms.