Post date: Sep 23, 2011 3:7:38 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder
ADHD is classified as a disruptive behavior disorder along with oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder and antisocial disorder.[26]
ADHD may accompany other disorders such as anxiety or depression. Such combinations can greatly complicate diagnosis and treatment. Academic studies and research in private practice suggest that depression in ADHD appears to be increasingly prevalent in children as they get older, with a higher rate of increase in girls than in boys, and to vary in prevalence with the subtype of ADHD. Where a mood disorder complicates ADHD it would be prudent to treat the mood disorder first, but parents of children who have ADHD often wish to have the ADHD treated first, because the response to treatment is quicker.[33]
Inattention and "hyperactive" behavior are not the only problems in children with ADHD. ADHD exists alone in only about 1/3 of the children diagnosed with it. Many co-existing conditions require other courses of treatment and should be diagnosed separately instead of being grouped in the ADHD diagnosis. Some of the associated conditions are:
Oppositional defiant disorder (35%) and conduct disorder (26%) which both are characterized by antisocial behaviors such as stubbornness, aggression, frequent temper tantrums, deceitfulness, lying, or stealing,[34] inevitably linking these comorbid disorders with antisocial personality disorder(ASPD); about half of those with hyperactivity and ODD or CD develop ASPD in adulthood.[35]
Borderline personality disorder, which was according to a study on 120 female psychiatric patients diagnosed and treated for BPD associated with ADHD in 70 percent of those cases.[36]
Primary disorder of vigilance, which is characterized by poor attention and concentration, as well as difficulties staying awake. These children tend to fidget, yawn and stretch and appear to be hyperactive in order to remain alert and active.[34]
Mood disorders. Boys diagnosed with the combined subtype have been shown likely to suffer from a mood disorder.[37]
Bipolar disorder. As many as 25 percent of children with ADHD have bipolar disorder. Children with this combination may demonstrate more aggression and behavioral problems than those with ADHD alone.[34]
Anxiety disorder, which has been found to be common in girls diagnosed with the inattentive subtype of ADHD.[38]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD is believed to share a genetic component with ADHD and shares many of its characteristics.[34]