ADHD and Comorbidity | ADHD Information
I found this article on psychiatry247.com
Webtrack in Mental Health - May 2004 | Other articles (May 2004)
Mental disorders and ADHD often co-exist in adults
Biederman J. Impact of comorbidity in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2004;65[suppl 3]:3-7.
The social and economical consequences of paediatric ADHD are well known. There is also more and more evidence that this condition persists into adulthood. Adult ADHD is now recognised as a separate clinical entity, although it is characterised by a common occurrence of some psychiatric disorders.
Adults with ADHD, especially males, more often display behaviour disorders such as aggression then normal persons. This is also the case in children with ADHD, although overall, such problems are less frequently seen in adults compared with children.
Also mood and anxiety disorders are more frequently diagnosed amongst both adults and children with ADHD. A recent study showed that 12% of adults with a major depression were actually suffering ADHD. Likewise, many adults with ADHD are abusing alcohol and drugs.
These mental problems not only involve higher health care costs but also significant social and economical costs. The health care costs are higher. There is evidence that people with ADHD more often get fired and have a lower job performance. In fact, ADHD in adults is characterized by a long history of personal, social and professional impairments, as these persons have difficulties in organising their life, their relationships and job. Specific treatment of the ADHD may therefore be of benefit to such adults.
Great article Dixie! Now if only we could all afford the meds which would help us hold down steady, well paying jobs and suffer less anxiety and depression and all the other things that end up costing us, our families and employers!
Hope to connect in chat again sometime! Barb
