When would you suspect that 'ADHD' symptoms are actually more related to depression?

The symptoms started after a depressive episode or major stressor. True ADHD is lifelong. If someone says:“I used to be fine, but the last few months I can’t focus at all” that strongly suggests depression‑related cognitive impairment, not ADHD. The “inattention” feels like mental fog, not distractibilityDepression‑related inattention feels like: slowed thinking, difficulty processing information, feeling mentally “thick” or foggy, trouble initiating anything, low energy, low drive ADHD inattention feels like:distractibility, jumping between tasks, mind wandering, inconsistent focus, difficulty sustaining effort even when motivated If the problem is slowness, not scatteredness, depression is more likely. If the person reports: loss of pleasure, loss of motivation, emotional numbness feeling disconnected from things they used to enjoy …that points toward depression. ADHD symptoms vary with: novelty, interest, stimulation, structure Depression‑related cognitive symptoms vary with: mood, energy, sleep, emotional load. If focus improves when mood improves → depression is the driver. Psychomotor slowing is a hallmark of depression: slower speech, slower thinking, slower movement, difficulty making decisions ADHD is rarely slow — it’s inconsistent, scattered, or overwhelmed, but not slowed. ADHD sleep issues are usually chronic and tied to circadian rhythm or hyperarousal. Depression sleep issues often look like: early morning awakenings, sleeping too much fragmented sleep tied to mood. In ADHD, emotional dysregulation is usually reactive: frustration, overwhelm, rejection sensitivity In depression, emotional symptoms are baseline: sadness, hopelessness, emptiness guilt, irritability without clear triggers ADHD doesn’t cause anhedonia. If stimulants: don’t improve focus, increase anxiety, cause emotional flattening, or worsens irritability it often means the underlying issue is mood, not ADHD.