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November 16, 2006
Common Disorders that Co-Exist and Mimic ADHD
With ADHD life can be very stressful and seem like walking through a maze with out a map at times. There are many studies that have found that there are many other conditions that co-exist or even mimic ADHD. Life stresses can cause some of the same symptoms of ADHD, as well. Situations that are life altering such as moving to a new town and/or school, traumatic experiences, any form child abuse, the death of a loved one, divorce and even the birth of a sibling. These circumstances usually appear suddenly and would not normally have any long-term effects. ADHD symptoms have to be present for over 6 months, and for the most part, cause troubles earlier than the age of six.
It is imperative that the diagnosis be conducted by a medical professional who is trained in wide variety of child and adolescent disorders. Having the right professional that can evaluate and diagnose the different mental health conditions such as those listed below can be the outcome of AD/HD, in addition to AD/HD, or mistaken for AD/HD.
Disorders That Commonly Co-Occur With AD/HD
Anxiety – Extreme worrying about things that occur frequently and that are difficult to control. The symptoms include feeling restless or on edge, easily drained, easily distracted, irritability, tension, and sleep disorders.
Depression – With AD/HD you might see a form of depression called dysthymia. Dysthymia is when a person has a depressed mood for many days, with over or under eating, has drastic sleeping patterns, unexpected changes in energy levels, low self-esteem and a feeling hopelessness.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) –Many of the symptoms of ODD include quick to loose of temper, constant arguing (particularly with adults), disobeys rules, deliberately tries to annoy peers and adults, not accepting responsibility for own actions; blaming others. (Some of these symptoms can disappear with AD/HD treatments.)
Learning Disabilities – Many problems with mathematics, reading or writing. Commonly, when taking standardized tests, the child’s ability or intelligence is significantly higher than his or her achievement. Underachievement is generally considered age-inappropriate.
Conduct Disorder (CD) – Behaving in a way that is persistently violating the basic rights of others. Some of these behaviors include aggression toward people and animals, destruction of property, honesty or steeling, not following rules and even a possibility of criminal problems.
Sources: www.webmd.com; www.helpguide.org; www.keepkidshealthy.com
By: Margo Richter
Posted by margo1 at November 16, 2006 08:28 PM
Comments
As a newly-diagnosed adult with ADD, I am living the proof of another combo...ADD with sleep apnea. My primary care physician, whose son is also ADD, as well as my sleep doctor, told me that there are some significant misdiagnoses even of ADD vs. some type of sleep disorder. The physical affects are nearly identical (at least with me), especially with the anxiety and depression. Although some have been since as far back as I can remember, I tested negatively for sleep apnea eight years ago. Now, I sleep with a CPAP machine and am three weeks into ADD treatment.
Anyway, just a note...and thanks for your blog!
=jb=
Posted by: James at November 29, 2006 11:15 PM
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