Is it more than ADHD?

There are approximately eight million adults in the U.S. with ADHD, and research suggests that as many as 80% of that population have at least one accompanying disorder, and more than half have two or more co-occurring disorders.

A proper diagnosis given by an experienced professional who understands which symptoms are and are not caused by ADHD can identify these co-occurring conditions and lead to a comprehensive treatment plan addressing all symptoms.

“It would be incredibly demoralizing to address ADHD and still struggle because some other problem has gone undiscovered and untreated,” writes Russell A. Barkley, PhD in Taking Charge of Adult ADHD (available for purchase here). Barkley and fellow researchers Kevin R. Murphy and Mariellen Fischer (cf. ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says, 2008), identify conditions commonly co-occurring in adults with ADHD, including:

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Conduct Disorders/anti-social personality disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression

In March 2011, researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway reported finding an ‘overlap’ of symptoms between ADHD and bipolar disorder when looking at mood swings (see NRC’s ADHD In the News, March 3, 2011). These researchers state that discussions are currently underway to consider whether or not mood swings should be included in the official list of diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

“AD/HD is only one of many conditions that can affect concentration and make someone distractible and forgetful,” writes psychologist Ari Tuckman, PsyD “…[T]rouble concentrating just tells us that something is going on, but it doesn’t tell us what,” (cf. Along for the Ride: conditions that Co-Exist with ADHD, Attention, February 2010).

Tuckman states that one study found as many as one-third of adults with ADHD experience either major depression or a longstanding, milder form of depression known as dysthymia. Because depression can affect concentration and focus, Tuckman cautions that a professional who is not familiar with ADHD may miss one disorder or the other. This reinforces the importance of finding a health care professional [FAQ on finding a professional link] who is experienced with diagnosing and treating ADHD, and who can make the necessary distinctions between the full presentation of all symptoms.

General information on co-existing conditions is available through the NRC’s website, and in the What We Know #5 – 5D series of information sheets regarding ADHD and common co-occurring conditions.

The prevalence of disorders that occur with ADHD is no small matter; these conditions affect a large majority of adults with the disorder. Diagnosing and treating the wrong disorder, or diagnosing ADHD and missing a coexisting condition, can lead to treatment plans that will not be as therapeutic as they could and should be. Only a well-crafted plan that addresses all conditions and symptoms will give adults with ADHD a better chance of fulfilling their potential and achieving a higher degree of success.

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