A study to determine psychiatric comorbidities in children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)

Dr Praveen Tripathi; Dr Ankita Maheshwari; Dr Hiral Kotadia

Volume : X, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

A study to determine psychiatric comorbidities in children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)

Dr Praveen Tripathi, Dr Ankita Maheshwari, Dr Hiral Kotadia

Abstract :

Introduction : Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder which has onset in early childhood. ADHD is a clinically heterogenous condition with multiple comorbidities challenging diagnosis and management. This study aims at finding existing comorbidities in young children having ADHD. Materials & Methods : It was a cross sectional study carried out in tertiary care centre. 46 children were included in the study. DSM–IV TR was used to diagnose ADHD & Learning disorders. K–SADS–PL was used for diagnosing psychiatric co–morbidities. NISLD was used for conforming learning disorders. Results :. 35 (76.09%) had atleast one psychiatric comorbidity present. Amongst the children who had comorbidities, 18(39.13%) had one comorbidity, 12 (26.09%) had two comorbidities, 4 (8.69%) had three comorbidities and one child (2.17%) had four comorbidities. Most common comorbidities were Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Learning Disorder (LD) with each being present in 18 children (39.13%). As a group Disruptive Behavior Disorders were present in 26 children (56.52%). Anxiety Disorders formed the second most common group with comorbidity in 9 children (19.57%). 3 (6.52%) had depressive disorder & 2 children had enuresis(4.35%). Conclusion : ADHD in young children presents with many co–morbidities. These need to be identified for adequate and appropriate management of children having ADHD.