New Research Poster: ADHD Comorbid with Anxiety, Mood Disorders

Among children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperacitivity disorder, more than 80 percent had a diagnosis of at least one other psychiatric disorder, most commonly oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder, according to new research being presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting. A group of researchers, led by Isaac Szpindel, M.D., sought to assess comorbidity types and frequencies and age and gender characteristics in a large sample of children and adolescents ages 3 to 18 years with attention deficit hyperacitivity disorder.

Anxiety disorders were equally prevalent among boys and girls. Mood disorders were more common among girls and more common among older children/adolescents. In the preschool age group, communication disorders were common, but decreased with age. Among preschoolers, oppositional defiant disorder was more common among males.

The research was presented poster on Tuesday, May 25, at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Researchers concluded that ADHD is highly comorbid and exhibits specific age and gender characteristics that evolve with age, and understanding of these features can aid in the formulation of differential diagnoses and in the choice of medication in children/adolescents with ADHD.