Co-occurring Conditions
Sometimes you'll hear the terms “co-occurring” or “co-morbid” when people talk about conditions linked to ADHD. These words simply mean that two or more conditions are happening at the same time — in this case, alongside ADHD.
Some conditions are more common in people with ADHD compared to the general population. While some individuals with ADHD might have a few co-occurring conditions, others might not have any at all.
It's estimated that about half of those with ADHD also experience at least one other condition that needs its own treatment. Sometimes these extra challenges are actually a knock-on effect of struggling with ADHD symptoms — for example, feeling constant frustration can lead to anxiety or depression. If treating ADHD also improves these issues, they're usually considered secondary problems. If not, they may be seen as separate, co-occurring conditions.
Common co-occurring conditions seen alongside ADHD include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety Disorders (e.g., generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Conduct Disorder
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Enuresis (bedwetting)
- Language Disorders
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Sleep Disorders (e.g., insomnia, restless sleep)
- Substance Use Disorders
- Tic Disorders / Tourette Syndrome
The types of difficulties someone with ADHD might experience can also shift as they grow.
- In younger children, the most common co-occurring disorders are ODD, language disorders, ASD and anxiety disorders.
- In the teenage years, depressive disorders and substance use disorders commonly emerge.
It's important to remember that ADHD looks different for everyone. Some people have no extra conditions at all, while others might deal with several. Every person's journey is unique.
