Related Conditions

There are a number of conditions that share symptoms with ADHD. Find out about these related conditions to help you and your loved ones work toward an accurate diagnosis.

Featured

Quiz: ADHD and Related Conditions
How much do you know about the relationship between ADHD and anxiety, Conduct disorder and other related conditions? Find out with this quiz!
ADHD and Cardiovascular Risk
Eileen Bailey explores the connections between ADHD and cardiovascular risk, as ADHD can sometimes cause elevated heart rates and blood pressure. Although studies do not show a direct link between the two disease, it is important to know shared symptoms and treatment options to more easily detect differences and similarities.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Children with ADD/ADHD have difficulties in school and social situation. They may have trouble paying attention or with impulsiveness or hyperactivity. But for between one third and one half of these children, there may be another condition called ODD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

ADHD & Substance Abuse
There has been much debate on the use of stimulant medication for ADHD, especially concerning whether or not it leads to the later abuse of drugs. Learn about the latest research on this issue.
Sleep Disorders and ADHD
Not getting enough sleep at night can cause mood swings, hyperactivity, inattention, impulsiveness, lack of motivation, aggressiveness, headaches and slower reaction times. Many of these symptoms also appear in ADHD. Learn more about the link between these two conditions.
Enuresis (Bedwetting) and ADHD
ADHD does not cause enuresis (bedwetting) and it is not listed as a symptom of ADHD. However, there seems to be a higher incidence rate in children with ADHD of bedwetting.
ADHD and Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder is considered to be one of the most difficult mental illnesses of childhood. The National Institute of Mental Health puts the number of children with ADHD that may develop Conduct Disorder at between 20 percent and 40 percent.
ADHD & Bipolar Disorder
ADHD and bipolar disorder are separate diagnoses and should be treated accordingly. However, these disorders are also often co-existing conditions.
ADHD & Anxiety
Anxiety is considered to be a common co-existing condition with ADHD, and recent studies point to a high incident rate of anxiety disorders in children with ADHD.
Co-Existing Conditions
Co-existing, or comorbid, conditions are ones that exist along side another diagnosis. This is also referred to as dual diagnosis. A recent study shows that as many as 2/3 of people diagnosed with ADHD also have a co-existing condition. Eileen Bailey lists many of the commonly known co-existing conditions and their typical symptoms.
ADHD and Depression
One out of every four adults with ADD or ADHD also experiences symptoms of depression. Find out how doctors differentiate between the two conditions and treat individuals suffering from both depression and ADHD.
10 Medical Conditions That Share Symptoms with ADD/ADHD
Because no medical test exists to definitively diagnose ADHD, it is important to rule out other conditions before reaching a diagnosis. Learn about the most common medical conditions that share physical and emotional symptoms with ADHD.