Question 1

How common are comorbidities in ADHD and what should I screen for?

Accepted Answer

At least 60-80% of individuals with ADHD have one or more comorbid conditions. The most common are ODD/CD (~40-60%), anxiety disorders (~25-50%), learning disabilities (~20-45%), mood disorders (~15-30%), and sleep disorders (~25-50%). Untreated comorbidities are the single most common reason ADHD treatment appears to 'fail.' Every initial ADHD evaluation should include systematic screening for anxiety, depression, ODD/CD, learning disabilities, and sleep disturbance.

Question 2

What conditions commonly co-occur with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

At least 60-80% of individuals with ADHD have one or more comorbid conditions. The most common are ODD/CD (~40-60%), anxiety disorders (~25-50%), learning disabilities (~20-45%), mood disorders (~15-30%), and sleep disorders (~25-50%). Untreated comorbidities are the single most common reason ADHD treatment appears to 'fail.' Every initial ADHD evaluation should include systematic screening for anxiety, depression, ODD/CD, learning disabilities, and sleep disturbance.

Question 3

Why is my ADHD treatment not working — could it be a comorbidity?

Accepted Answer

At least 60-80% of individuals with ADHD have one or more comorbid conditions. The most common are ODD/CD (~40-60%), anxiety disorders (~25-50%), learning disabilities (~20-45%), mood disorders (~15-30%), and sleep disorders (~25-50%). Untreated comorbidities are the single most common reason ADHD treatment appears to 'fail.' Every initial ADHD evaluation should include systematic screening for anxiety, depression, ODD/CD, learning disabilities, and sleep disturbance.

Question 4

What should I screen for when I diagnose ADHD?

Accepted Answer

At least 60-80% of individuals with ADHD have one or more comorbid conditions. The most common are ODD/CD (~40-60%), anxiety disorders (~25-50%), learning disabilities (~20-45%), mood disorders (~15-30%), and sleep disorders (~25-50%). Untreated comorbidities are the single most common reason ADHD treatment appears to 'fail.' Every initial ADHD evaluation should include systematic screening for anxiety, depression, ODD/CD, learning disabilities, and sleep disturbance.

Question 5

Does ADHD come with other conditions?

Accepted Answer

At least 60-80% of individuals with ADHD have one or more comorbid conditions. The most common are ODD/CD (~40-60%), anxiety disorders (~25-50%), learning disabilities (~20-45%), mood disorders (~15-30%), and sleep disorders (~25-50%). Untreated comorbidities are the single most common reason ADHD treatment appears to 'fail.' Every initial ADHD evaluation should include systematic screening for anxiety, depression, ODD/CD, learning disabilities, and sleep disturbance.

Question 6

What is the most common comorbidity with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

At least 60-80% of individuals with ADHD have one or more comorbid conditions. The most common are ODD/CD (~40-60%), anxiety disorders (~25-50%), learning disabilities (~20-45%), mood disorders (~15-30%), and sleep disorders (~25-50%). Untreated comorbidities are the single most common reason ADHD treatment appears to 'fail.' Every initial ADHD evaluation should include systematic screening for anxiety, depression, ODD/CD, learning disabilities, and sleep disturbance.

PsychHQ

How Common Are Comorbidities in ADHD and What Should I Screen For?