Other Concerns and Conditions with ADHD

For Everyone

What to know

  • Other disorders or conditions can have symptoms that look like ADHD.
  • Many children with ADHD have other disorders as well as ADHD, such as behavior or conduct problems, learning disorders, anxiety, and depression.
  • CDC provides information to help parents talk with their child's healthcare provider and educators about ADHD.
Mom talking with daughter who is visibly upset.

Overview

Many other disorders or conditions can also have symptoms that look like ADHD. For example, a child with a sleep disorder might have trouble focusing or remembering. A child with anxiety might squirm or fidget often. For some children, symptoms that look like ADHD can be better explained by another diagnosis, but many children with ADHD also have another condition.

Screening for other disorders and concerns

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that every child with ADHD should be screened for other disorders and concerns.

Is it ADHD?

Sometimes symptoms that might look like ADHD or other conditions can be temporary. Having difficulties with behavior or emotions might be a reaction to stress and change.

A mother and her son playing at the kitchen table
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms can change over time and present themselves in three different ways.

For some children, having ADHD without getting the right treatment and support can cause problems that lead to other disorders, such as behavior problems, anxiety, or depression. These issues stem from challenges brought on by ADHD symptoms. An evaluation might be needed if a child with ADHD develops other problems over time.

For example

  • Coping with stress from significant life changes, such as loss of a loved one, can be a challenge, particularly for children who are already struggling with managing their behavior and emotions.
  • Changes in routines like moving to a different home or school can be stressful and can make children more easily distracted or fidgety. If children do not settle quickly into a new situation, it can be hard for parents to understand whether their child is reacting to temporary stress, or if there is a problem that needs treatment.

Some children have "complex ADHD" symptoms

A child might have symptoms beyond those that fit the typical description of ADHD (known as "complex ADHD" symptoms). Children with complex ADHD may need treatment that is specific to their needs.

When ADHD is complex: sorting out the symptoms

A child sits pensively looking out of the window.
Experts recommend that primary care providers refer children to a specialist if the providers detect other conditions that they are not experienced in treating or diagnosing.

Among the most common disorders that co-occur with ADHD are:

Having complex ADHD can also mean not fitting the typical age description, such as having ADHD symptoms earlier than age 4 years or not showing any ADHD symptoms until adolescence. Children who develop ADHD symptoms at younger or older ages than typical may also need more detailed diagnosis and treatment.

Co-occurring conditions with ADHD

Behavior or conduct problems

Children occasionally act angry or defiant around adults or respond aggressively when they are upset. When these behaviors persist over time, or are severe, they can become a behavior disorder.

Mom trying to talk with young son
Children with ADHD are more likely than other children to be diagnosed with a behavior disorder such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder.
Keep Reading Behavior or Conduct Problems in Children

Learning disorders

Having a learning disorder (LD) means that a child has a clear difficulty in one or more areas of learning, even when their intelligence is not affected. The combination of problems caused by having ADHD and LD can make it particularly hard for a child to succeed in school. Properly diagnosing each disorder is an important part of getting the right kind of help for the child.

The child is putting her arms on top of her books, frustrated
Some children with ADHD also have learning disorders, making studying difficult.

Treatment for learning disorders

Children with LD often need extra help and instruction that is specialized for them. Having an LD can qualify a child for special education services in school.

Because children with ADHD often have difficulty in school, the first step is a careful evaluation to see if the problems are also caused by an LD. Schools usually do their own testing to see if a child needs intervention.

Parents, healthcare providers, and the school can work together to find the right referrals and treatment.

See Also What are learning disabilities?

Anxiety and depression

Son sitting on couch staring at his mother.
Children with ADHD are more likely than those without to develop an anxiety disorder or feel hopeless and sad when they can't control their ADHD symptoms.

Anxiety

Many children have fears and worries. However, when a child experiences so many fears and worries that they interfere with school, home, or play activities, it is an anxiety disorder. Children with ADHD are more likely than those without to develop an anxiety disorder.

Depression

Occasionally being sad or feeling hopeless is a part of every child's life. When children feel persistent sadness and hopelessness, it can cause problems. Children with ADHD are more likely than children without ADHD to develop childhood depression. Children may be more likely to feel hopeless and sad when they can't control their ADHD symptoms and the symptoms interfere with doing well at school or getting along with family and friends.

Keep Reading Anxiety and Depression in Children

What parents can do

When children experience behavior or emotions that are severe or that last a long time, parents may want to talk with their healthcare provider to get a complete and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The healthcare provider might refer the family to a specialist such as a child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician for a detailed assessment. Doctors might also recommend a developmental and educational evaluation (also known as a Child Find evaluation) most often done at a local early intervention agency (for children under age 3 years), or public school (for children age 3 years and older).

Steps to consider

  • Parents can also talk with their child's teachers about how to help their child succeed in school. Accommodations and special education services can be tailored to address the different symptoms that the child may experience.
Need help?
Get information and support from the National Resource Center on ADHD.
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Free Materials on ADHD
Free materials and resources on ADHD.

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Content Source:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities