Identifying Coexisting Conditions

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as many as one third of children with ADHD have one or more additional or co-occurring conditions. The most common of these are behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, learning and language disabilities. Sometimes these conditions are confused with ADHD. Sometimes these conditions are present on top of or in addition to ADHD.

Adults with ADHD show an even higher incidence of additional or accompanying disorders. These adults may also suffer from depression, mood disorders, substance addictions, anxiety, phobias or behavioral problems.

How does one distinguish between ADHD and accompanying conditions that share some of the same symptoms as ADHD? Disorganized, impulsive, hyperactive behaviors that look like an attention disorder may be related to depression or anxiety instead. Behavior typically believed to be ADHD related, may actually signal other problems.

When diagnosing ADHD it is important to sort out and identify the underlying problem or coexisting conditions. The best way to do this is through careful observation and evaluation by a well qualified professional.