Not Just ADHD

If your child has ADHD, you probably know that children with ADHD have lots of struggles- not just ADHD. Over 60% of children with ADHD have an additional psychological condition. These conditions, called "comorbid disorders", co-occur with another disorder (like ADHD).

Identifying comorbid disorders is very important for treating ADHD. They influence what treatments are best. Their presence also means your child may have more struggles and additional treatments may be needed.

It is often hard to identify comorbid disorders. The symptoms of ADHD may overshadow the symptoms of another disorder - or the other way around.

Some disorders co-occur commonly with ADHD. Some common ones that go with ADHD are:

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (doing the opposite of what parents of teachers say; 40% or more of children with ADHD also have ODD)
• Conduct Disorder (breaking important social rules, like stealing)
• Learning Disability
• Anxiety Disorders
• Mood Disorder (for example, depression)
• Tourette's Disorder (uncontrolled tics and sounds)

Having extra problems is usually from multiple causes, like heredity and your child's environment. The difficulties of parenting a child with ADHD can cause problems. The behaviors of ADHD can wear down parents who may feel constantly irritated with them. This can make a child defiant. Learning problems can make a child feel sad or anxious.

It is very important to identify and treat all comorbid disorders. You should tell your child's doctor about ALL the struggles your child has to get the best care and the best outcome.