Comorbidity in children and adolescents with attention-deficit
disorder: preliminary results.
Souza I, Serra MA, Mattos P, Franco VA.
Grupo de Estudos do Deficit de Atencao, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade
Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Thirty-four children and adolescents with ages from 6 to 16 years having a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)according to DSM-IV criteria were examined. Psychiatric comorbidity was evaluated through a standard questionnaire given to parents. There was a significant comorbidity (85,7%) in the sample, oppositional-defiant disorder (20,6%) and conduct disorder (39,2%) being the most common comorbid diagnosis. At least two diagnosis other than ADHD could be found in 57% of the sample. Major depression was seen in four cases and anxiety states (generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety and phobias) were seen in 34.3% of the sample. Comorbidity modifies prognosis in a significant way and may suggest specific therapeutic interventions according to each case. Frequent comorbidity may suggest the need for diagnostic interviews that covers other psychiatric disorders.