Parents who notice symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their child at a young age may want to seek help from rehab facilities before the problem is allowed to develop further. A recent study shows that children who show signs of the condition between the ages of 4 and 6 are significantly more likely to develop depression later in life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 4 million children have ADHD, suggesting that the findings may represent a significant public health risk.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh followed 123 children who were diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 4 and 6 through their 14th birthday. Psychological exams were administered at points throughout the study period.

The results of the study show that 18 percent of children who were diagnosed with the condition went on to suffer depression as adolescents. This is more than ten times the rate of depression among young people who have not received an ADHD diagnosis.

Given the fact that depression can lead to drug addiction, which may force individuals to seek substance abuse treatment, researchers said that parents whose children have been diagnosed with ADHD should keep a close watch on their symptoms throughout their childhood.