ADHD and comorbidity in childhood.
In recent years, evidence has been accumulating regarding high levels of comorbidity between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a number of disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders and conduct disorder. Thus, ADHD is most likely a group of conditions, rather than a single homogeneous clinical entity, with potentially different etiologic and modifying risk factors and different outcomes. Follow-up studies of children with ADHD indicate that subgroups of subjects with ADHD and comorbid disorders have a poorer outcome as evidenced by significantly greater social, emotional, and psychological difficulties. Investigation of these issues should help to clarify the etiology, course, and outcome of ADHD.
Spencer
Thomas J
TJ
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit, Psychiatry Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. 02114, USA. tspencer@partners.org
D000367:Age Factors; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D012107:Research Design; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology