[Comorbidity in children and adolescents with attention-deficit disorder: preliminary results].
Thirty-four children and adolescents with ages from 6 to 16 years having a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)according to DSM-IV criteria were examined. Psychiatric comorbidity was evaluated through a standard questionnaire given to parents. There was a significant comorbidity (85,7%) in the sample, oppositional-defiant disorder (20,6%) and conduct disorder (39,2%) being the most common comorbid diagnosis. At least two diagnosis other than ADHD could be found in 57% of the sample. Major depression was seen in four cases and anxiety states (generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety and phobias) were seen in 34.3% of the sample. Comorbidity modifies prognosis in a significant way and may suggest specific therapeutic interventions according to each case. Frequent comorbidity may suggest the need for diagnostic interviews that covers other psychiatric disorders.
Souza
I
I
Grupo de Estudos do Déficit de Atenção, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Serra
M A
MA
Mattos
P
P
Franco
V A
VA
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires