Ad and Other Disorders (Inglés)

If your child has Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), his attention and behavior problems probably occur at home as well as at school. Even in the best circumstances, managing AD/HD can be an overwhelming -- and exhausting -- task for you and your child. And for many kids who have AD/HD, their struggle is complicated by a having a secondary psychological or social/emotional disorder.

More than AD/HD

When a child has another psychological problem in addition to AD/HD, his behavior and moods can be especially difficult to manage. If you’re a parent, the thought of your child having more than one disorder can be frightening. If you’re in this situation, be aware you have plenty of company. An estimated 40% to 60% of kids who have AD/HD also have at least one other psychological disorder. But be assured that help is available for you and your child.

Professionals can help

The diagnosis of a child's psychological condition is best made by a psychiatrist or other qualified medical professional. A psychologist may be able to help you, your child, and other family members manage any practical problems and relationship challenges through counseling or behavior management programs.

Conditions that may co-exist

The following conditions often affect kids who have AD/HD. The symptoms listed are intended as a guide.

• Depression

A child or adolescent who is depressed may:

• Seem sad or irritable most of the time.
• Lose interest and pleasure in many activities he used to enjoy.
• Over-eat or lose his appetite.
• Feel inappropriate guilt.
• Have trouble thinking, concentrating, and making decisions.
• Feel worthless or hopeless.

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

A child who has ODD often may:

• Behave in a manner that is negative, hostile, and defiant.
• Seem angry and resentful.
• Lose his temper.
• Argue with adults and refuse to comply with adults’ requests and rules.
• Annoy people on purpose.
• Blame other people for his mistakes and misbehavior.

• Anxiety

A child who suffers from anxiety may:

• Feel anxious and worried most of the time.
• Act nervous in certain settings -- in crowds of people, at school, or when expected to perform -- and tries to avoid such situations.
• Fear being separated from her home or from parents and other adults she’s attached to.

• Tourette's Disorder and other tic disorders

A child who has this condition may:

• Display motor tics -- involuntary muscle twitches and spasms.
• Exhibit vocal tics -- involuntary speech or voice sounds.

Tics may be a chronic problem or occur only occasionally. They vary in how severe they are.

How is the diagnosis made?

To make a proper diagnosis, the doctor will gather information from you and your child. Here are some questions you can expect:

• What specific feelings and behaviors does your child have that concern you?
• How long has your child felt and acted this way?
• Does the problem prevent your child from functioning normally? If so, where -- at home, school, social events, etc.?
• Do any other family members show the same symptoms, or have they been diagnosed with a specific condition?

The doctor will also determine if your child’s problems are unusual for his age. The guide most physicians refer to when making a diagnosis is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV). Diagnosing such problems can be tricky, because:

• At this time, there are no simple medical procedures or lab tests to help diagnose these disorders.
• The challenges of having AD/HD can lead kids to feel anxious, depressed, and angry.
• There is some “symptom overlap” between AD/HD and the other conditions listed above.

It can take a period of time for the doctor to make the diagnosis, so be prepared to be patient and cooperative during the process. You may be asked to bring additional reports from your child’s school or pediatrician.

Hope on the horizon

Researchers are working hard to better understand how to diagnose and treat AD/HD and other psychological conditions that affect children. Behind the scenes, pieces of the puzzle are coming together, and exciting discoveries are being made.

For more information about AD/HD and co-existing conditions, check the resources listed below.

About the Author

In her role as Writer/Editor for Schwab Learning, Kristin Stanberry provides information, insight, strategies, and support for parents whose children have learning differences. She combines a professional background developing consumer health and wellness publications with her personal experience of coaching family members with learning differences.

©Schwab Learning 2001    Created: 7/20/2001    Last Modified 1/10/2002

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