Comorbid Symptoms, Syndromes, and Disorders

Abstract

(from the chapter) Co-occurring symptoms, syndromes, and disorders are the rule rather than the exception in adults and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A careful clinical evaluation is therefore needed that includes a full developmental and psychiatric history and mental state examination. The key features that discriminate ADHD symptoms from those of other disorders include: specific clusters of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms; childhood or early adolescent onset with chronic trait-like course; lack of a clear distinction from the premorbid mental state; nonepisodic nature of the symptoms. The core operational symptoms that formally define ADHD should be systematically evaluated and their lifetime course and relationship to other symptoms explored. In principle, ADHD is no more difficult to diagnose than other common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, but clinicians must be aware of the typical onset, course and nature of ADHD symptoms. Further guidance on distinguishing ADHD from specific disorders and treating ADHD when it co-occurs with other mental health disorders is provided in this chapter. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).