ADHD Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
ADHD and Other Conditions
ADHD and other conditions that can be related to the disorder could lead to the need for additional care. There are a number of conditions that can occur in someone with ADHD, including: learning disabilities, Tourette syndrome, and bipolar disorder. Stastics relating to the co-existence of ADHD and other conditions are well known for some conditions and unknown for others.
There are a number of conditions that can occur in someone with ADHD. Some of these common conditions include:
- Learning disabilities
- Tourette syndrome
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Conduct disorder
- Anxiety and depression
- Bipolar disorder.
Learning Disabilities
Many children with ADHD -- approximately 20% to 30% -- also have a specific learning disability (LD). In preschool years, these disabilities include difficulty in understanding certain sounds or words and/or difficulty in expressing oneself in words.
In school age children, reading or spelling disabilities, writing disorders, and arithmetic disorders may appear. A type of reading disorder, dyslexia, is quite widespread. Reading disabilities affect up to 8% of elementary school children.
Tourette Syndrome
A very small proportion of people with ADHD have a neurological disorder called Tourette syndrome. People with Tourette syndrome have various nervous tics and repetitive mannerisms, such as eye blinks, facial twitches, or grimacing. Others may clear their throats frequently, snort, sniff, or bark out words.
These behaviors can be controlled with medication. While very few children have this syndrome, many of the cases of Tourette syndrome are associated with ADHD. In such cases, both disorders often require treatment that may include medications.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD