Comorbidity in Children and Adolescents with ADHD

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with or without hyperactivity disorder is a neurobiological disorder that involves the interaction of the neuroanatomical and neurotransmitter systems. It is a developmental disorder of psychomotor skills that is manifested by impaired attention, motor hyperactivity and impulsivity. This disorder is characterized by early onset, the association of hyperactive and poorly coordinated behavior with marked inattention and lack of perseverance in performing tasks; and this behavior occurs in all situations and persists over time. This disorder is inappropriate for the child’s developmental age and maladaptive. Disorders of neurotransmitter metabolism in the brain with discrete neurological changes can lead to behavioral difficulties and other psychological problems. Most children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have comorbidities, often multiple comorbid conditions in the same person. Comorbidity was observed in both clinical and epidemiological samples. It is estimated that about two-thirds of children with this disorder have at least one other psychiatric disorder diagnosed. Symptoms persist and lead to significant difficulties in the daily functioning of the child, such as school success, social interactions, family and social functioning, etc. Recent studies indicate the presence of various neuroophthalmological disorders in children and adolescents with ADHD. The most common comorbidities in children and adolescents with ADHD that will be covered in this chapter are autism spectrum disorder, mood disorder, anxiety, learning disabilities, conduct disorders, tics disorder and epilepsy.

Caracterización Epidemiológica de los Pacientes de la Clínica Ambulatoria del Departamento de Psiquiatría de la Infancia y la Adolescencia de un Hospital Universitario de Paraguay: Estudio Trienal

“…En cuanto a los diagnósticos, los resultados indican que el 71,6 % de los pacientes tienen al menos un diagnóstico de salud mental, mientras que el 23,9 % tienen dos diagnósticos. Esto refleja la naturaleza compleja y comórbida de los trastornos psiquiátricos en esta población (23) . Los diagnósticos más frecuentes incluyen los episodios depresivos, trastornos de ansiedad, de la conducta, específicos de la personalidad, trastornos generalizados del desarrollo y trastornos hipercinéticos.…”

Effectiveness of Family-based Sensory Diet in Symptoms of Students With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…These issues often cause learning difficulties, especially in reading. In addition, other problems, such as aggression, social maladaptation, and antisocial behaviors are often secondarily observed with ADHD [4].…”

The association between nonpharmacological interventions and quality of life in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review

“…Maternal smoking, use of narcotics, intake of alcohol, or stress, low birth weight, prematurity, or exposure to organic pollution, as well as severe malnutrition, or early deprivation are suspected of being risk factors relating to children developing ADHD (Thapar et al, 2013). In most children and adolescents with the disorder, ADHD is comorbid with other psychiatric disorders which complicate their care e.g., anxiety or conduct disorders (Radmanovic et al, 2020). Some children with ADHD have more severe learning problems and a larger discrepancy between IQ and academic performance than other children with functional impairments (Mayes & Calhoun, 2007).…”