ADHD and co-existing conditions

Co-existing conditions present a challenge when diagnosing ADHD. Some may have overlapping symptoms. Therefore, doctors need to look at family history and use questionnaires to help determine which, if any, disorders are present. Usually, treatment will start with the condition that is causing the most impairment. For example, if a person has both depression and ADHD and depression is interfering with his or her daily life, the depression is treated first. Once that is managed, the ADHD is treated.

If you, or your child, are experiencing symptoms of ADHD and another disorder, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis. Call your EAP number for help.

Here is a short description of the conditions most commonly occurring with ADHD:

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression and is characterised by extreme highs and lows. The individual is not able to manage his or her moods and can go from feelings of mania (excitement, giddiness, feelings of grandiosity) to extreme depression. Medication and counselling is available to help manage mood swings caused by bipolar disorder.

Depression

Depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and people often feel as if there is a black curtain around them. They are unable to lift themselves out of their depression. Medication and counselling is available to help manage symptoms of depression.

Anxiety

Anxiety is the consistently and persistently feeling anxious, apprehension, fear or worry, even when there is no reason to feel that way.

Oppositional defiant disorder

Some of the characteristics of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) are disobedience and lack of respect for authority figures shown in hostile or defiant behaviours. To be diagnosed with ODD, symptoms must be present for at least six months. The patterns of behaviour are compared to those of children the same age.

Conduct disorder

Conduct disorder is similar to oppositional defiant disorder but does have some distinct characteristics. It is more common in boys than in girls and is one of the most difficult mental illnesses of childhood.

Learning disabilities

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to receive, process, store and respond to information. The term learning disability is used to describe the seeming unexplained difficulty a person of at least average intelligence has in acquiring basic academic skills. These skills are essential for success at school and work, and for coping with life in general. LD is not a single disorder. It is a term that refers to a group of disorders (National Center for Learning Disabilities).

ADHD often causes children to experience problems in school and with learning, however, it is not considered to be a learning disability.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about ADHD and co-existing conditions.