This Can't Just Be ADHD, Can It?

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD you know that the symptoms include difficulty with paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is very common for individuals with ADHD to miss small details, fidget, talk incessantly and struggle with following specific instructions. While ADHD is not considered a life-threatening disorder, those that have this condition can find aspects of engaging in day-to-day activities challenging. What you may not know is that frequently ADHD involves other coexisting disorders. A coexisting condition refers to a condition that is in addition to the primary diagnosis. These conditions differ in intensity. There are several disorders or conditions that are often seen with those who have ADHD. These can include, but are not limited to: Learning Disability: These disabilities deal with how our brains process information. They interfere with ones ability to pay attention and concentrate, making the learning process extremely difficult. Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A disruptive disorder characterized by anti-social behavior. Typical symptoms can include lying, throwing tantrums and being extremely aggressive. This disorder can continue into adulthood, where it manifests as ASPD Conduct Disorder: A disruptive disorder characterized by anti-social behavior. Manifestation of CD is similar to ODD with being aggressive and throwing tantrums. Anxiety: Anxiety disorders are a form of mental illness centered on fear and panic. Common symptoms of this disorder include phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior and post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression: A mood disorder where the individual tends to withdraw from society, find daily tasks challenging and find motivation to do things, such as work, extremely difficult. Bipolar Disorder: A mood disorder that is put into several categories. Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 are the most common. Both have their own specific symptoms. Symptoms of both Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 involve extreme "highs" and extreme "lows" experienced by the affected individual. These "manic" and "depressive" episodes make things like work and basic social interaction difficult. Tourette Syndrome: This is one of the "tic" disorders that can coexist with ADHD. While this coexisting syndrome is not a common occurrence, Tourette syndrome is very difficult to live with. Those afflicted have physical "tics" that can be chronic. These vocal tics make normal social interaction extremely difficult. How can you determine if your child has any of these coexisting disorders? It is important to make note of any symptoms that you think are occurring. While a coexisting condition may have symptoms that are not as extreme as the primary diagnosis of ADHD, they need to be known and treated accordingly. If your child experiences anxiety, or is acting depressed or angry, it's important to discuss that with your doctor. The above list does not include all of the possible disorders that can accompany ADHD, but it does list the most common. Proper diagnosis and proper treatment will make these conditions manageable.