Associated Disorders
Children & adolescents with ADHD / ADD frequently experience other forms of psychiatric illness in addition. The commonest are depression and anxiety, antisocial personality disorder, alcohol and substance abuse.
Anxiety and Depression
Some children with ADHD / ADD often have co-occurring anxiety or depression. If the anxiety or depression is recognized and treated, the child will be better able to handle the problems that accompany ADHD / ADD. Effective treatment of ADHD / ADD can also have a positive impact on anxiety as the child is better able to master academic tasks.
Learning Disabilities
About 20 to 30 percent—also have a specific learning disability; dyslexia is quite common.
- See Learning Disability guidance.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
As many as one-third to one-half of all children with ADHD / ADD - mostly boys - have oppositional defiant disorder. These children are often defiant, stubborn, non-compliant and have outbursts of temper.
- For further information see Netdoctor.
Conduct Disorder
About 20 to 40 percent of ADHD / ADD children may eventually develop conduct disorder. These children frequently lie or steal, fight with or bully others, and are at a real risk of getting into trouble at school or with the police. These children or teens are at greater risk for substance misuse and later dependence and abuse.
- For further information see Netdoctor.
