When ADHD is Not Alone

As a primarily childhood disorder, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can take its toll on a family and the child affected by ADHD. However, despite the fact that ADHD is seen in 3 to 5 percent of all children, it is sometimes not the only disorder present.

Learning disabilities are commonly found in conjunction with ADHD. Statistics show that about 20 to 30 percent of children with ADHD also have a learning disability like dyslexia, spelling difficulties, or arithemetic disorders. The diagnosis of ADHD along with the learning disability can ensure that the school offer services so that the children are able to learn more effectively.

Tourette syndrome is not found in a great number of children with ADHD, but it does sometimes accompany the disorder. Tourette's is often exhibited by tics, twitches, repetitive mannerisms, and maybe even outbursts of words. Like ADHD, it can often be controlled via medication.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is found in 30 to 50 percent of children with ADHD, mostly boys. Children with ODD show signs of being belligerent, defiant, and having tantrums. They often will not obey directives and become very argumentative.

Another common disorder found in conjuction with ADHD is Conduct Disorder. The symptoms of a conduct disorder are more serious than ODD, as these children often show patterns of antisocial behavior. They lie, steal, and often get into trouble with authority figures. They may even become violent and harm other people or animals. The prevelance of a conduct disorder in children with ADHD is between 20 and 40 percent. Due to the seriousness of the diagnosis, it is important that these children get immediate help.

Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar disorders are also found in combination with ADHD. These are more easily understood and treatable conditions that most parents can learn to cope with, even when they are in conjunction with ADHD.

Due to ADHD sometimes being seen in combination with other disorders, it is important for a parent to make sure that the child is seen by a clinical professional that has experience with ADHD and a strong understanding how to treat the multidimensional diagnosis. When the child receives the proper treatment for the combination of disorders, the family and ADHD child benefit greatly by the minimization of symptoms.