Other Conditions Associated With ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often occurs with Oppositionalother disorders, referred to as comorbidities of ADHD. The combination of Defiant Disorder ADHD and its comorbidities presents extra challenges to affected individuals, educators, and health care providers. Diagnosis and treatment are more difficult when ADHD and another condition are present in the same individual.

About half of children with ADHD referred to clinics have behavior disorders as well as ADHD. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is one of the most common disorders occurring with ADHD. Conduct Disorder is less common, can be significantly disruptive, and is difficult to treat. Increased injuries and strained peer relationships are also common in this population. Because significant challenges may result from having ADHD and another disorder, it is important to screen every child with ADHD for other disorders and problems.

Recently released data from the 1997-98 National Health Interview Survey suggests roughly half of those youth 6-11 years old diagnosed with ADHD may also have a Learning Disorder (LD). The combination of attention problems caused by ADHD and LD can make it particularly hard for a child to succeed in school. Properly diagnosing each disorder is crucial. Appropriate and timely interventions to address ADHD and LD should follow diagnosis. The nature and course of treatment for ADHD and LD may be different, and different types of providers may be involved. Working with health care professionals to determine appropriate referrals and treatment is the best way to make informed decisions for an individual dealing with ADHD and a learning problem.

What are some of the symptoms of common ADHD comorbidities?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose ODD. ODD usually starts before age eight, but no later than early adolescence. Symptoms may occur most often with people the individual knows well, such as family members or a regular care provider. These behaviors are present beyond what are expected for the child’s age, and result in significant difficulties in school, at home, and/or with peers. Examples of ODD behaviors include:

• Losing one’s temper a lot

• Arguing with adults or refusing to comply with adults’ rules or requests

• Often getting angry or being resentful or vindictive

• Deliberately annoying others; easily becoming annoyed with others

• Often blaming other people for one’s own mistakes or misbehavior

Conduct Disorder (CD)
Conduct Disorder is a behavioral pattern characterized by aggression toward others and serious violations of rules, laws, and social norms. These behaviors often lead to delinquency or incarceration. The symptoms of CD are apparent in several settings in the person’s life (e.g., at home, in the community and at school). While CD is less common than Oppositional Defiant Disorder, it is severe and highly disruptive to the person’s life and to others in his/her life. It is also very challenging to treat. A mental health professional should complete evaluations for CD where warranted, and a plan for intervention should be implemented as early as possible.

ADHD References