Co-Morbidity Rates: Other Problems That May Come With ADHD

Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge. Very often the child or teen that comes to the office will have both a neurologically based Attention Deficit Disorder, as well as some other clinical condition that requires treatment. There are commonly two reasons for this:

First, because of a "fragile" brain. With the ADHD, some parts of the brain may be under-active, while other parts of the brain may be over-active. When the brain is already "out of balance," it is not uncommon to see neurologically based depressions, obsessive-compulsive disorders, learning disabilities, or even panic disorders.

Second, even if ADHD is the only neuologically based problem, constant failure at home, at school, and socially, can result in sadness, depression, anxiety, fear, worry, and giving up.

In children and teens diagnosed with ADHD we see these other problems:
· About 50% also have an Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or as teens a Conduct Disorder;
· About 30% have a Mood Disorder such as Depression;
· About 25% have problems with Anxiety, Worry, excessive fears, or Panic Disorders;
· About 25% have a specific Learning Disorder, making school even harder.

As a result of these kinds of problems, added on top of the problem of Attention Deficit Disorder, we get these results in the real world:
· Nearly 60% of students with ADHD will fail at least one grade in school;
· 30% of teens with ADHD will not graduate from High School;
· Only 5% of teens with ADHD will go on to graduate from college.

What is the solution? Children and teens with ADHD must receive appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and support. This is a disorder that CANNOT be ignored by parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, or friends. ADHD is not just a matter of behavior around the dinner table. This is a situation that can impact a person's entire life.

Increase the odds of success by providing whatever level of treatment is necessary to bring about success. There are lots of treatment choices to choose from. Please don't put it off until "later." Learn what you can do right now by visiting the ADHD Information Library.

Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.

---

How to Parent Your Teen Effectively

Maintain CommunicationEven though teens need to separate from their parents... Read More

Playing Safe

Do you really want your child to enjoy playing with... Read More

Defrazzle with a Hearty Guffaw

"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More

When Your Chicks Leave the Nest

When my son was 18 (and had finished school), he... Read More

Unschooling - the Benefits of Home Based Education

Home schooling benefits children. As a parent, I feel it... Read More

On Raising a Child with Disabilities: Sara & the Nail Salon

Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More

Hints on how to encourage children to read

Hints from Ruowen Wang? Keep a small basket filled with... Read More

Eye-Opening Questions for Working Parents to Ask

I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted... Read More

My Dads Secrets

From the book Spider's Night on the BoomI've only begun... Read More

What is Incest?

Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More

Partnering With Your Daycare or Preschool

For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More

Spend Time Not Money With The Kids This Winter

Spending quality time with your children doesn't need to cost... Read More

Fraternal Twin Parenting Concerns

Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More

Ease Bug Bites with Easy Herbs

Summertime means insect bites and stings. Ouch! Take a leaf... Read More

Why First Borns Fuss, Seconds Are Resilient and Last Borns Like To Laugh

How can two or three children in the same family... Read More

New Baby ? Relax and Become a Yummy Mummy

Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More

Teach Your Children How To Resolve Conflict Without Using Anger Or Power

Teaching kids to deal with conflict effectively and peacefully is... Read More

Classic Parenting: Encouragement, Praise, Acceptance, and Responsibility

Encouragement comes when you focus on your child's assets and... Read More

Stop, Look, Listen! Steps to Better Parenting Communication

As a parent is seems that the majority of your... Read More

How To Entertain A Child While Working From A Home Office

There is no doubt that the benefits of being a... Read More

Bath Time Fun

Bath time can be fun or it can be a... Read More

Children, Entitlement and God

"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What is Impulsivity?

Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More

Discipline on My Mind

I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More

Who Wants To Date Their Mother?

Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More

The Importance of Mothers

Moms, did you ever question your value as a role... Read More

Twins - Double The Trouble Or Double The Pleasure? Both!

If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More

Examining Drugs for ADHD, Particularly Strattera

In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More

Let Your Children Name the New Baby

Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More

Every Mom Worries

Sitterphobe "I never have a second to myself," this mother... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading To Your Child

Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More

Childrens Allowance

When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More

Crazy Colors Fun Kid Experiment as a Party Activity

Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for... Read More