Co-existing psychiatric problems in ADHD in the ADORE cohort

Hans Christoph Steinhausen, Torunn Stene Nøvik, Gisli Baldursson, Paolo Curatolo, Maria J. Lorenzo, Rob Rodrigues Pereira, Stephen J. Ralston, Aribert Rothenberger, D. Coghill, S. Dalsgaard, M. Döpfner, B. Falissard, A. Hervas, M. F. Le Heuzey, U. Preuss, P. Rasmussen, A. W. Riley, G. Spiel, L. Vlasveld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To study the impact of co-existing psychiatric problems with ADHD on behavioural features, psychosocial functioning and quality of life in subjects of the ADORE cohort (N=1,478). Methods: The following six groups of associated psychiatric problems with ADHD were compared: oppositional-defiant disorder or conduct disorder only (ODD/CD); anxiety or depressive disorder only (ANX/DEP); tic/Tourette's disorder only (TIC/ Tourette's); developmental co-ordination disorder only (DCD); two or more associated conditions; and none. Dependent variables included the ADHD Rating Scale-IV, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale, the Children's Global Assessment Scale and the Child Health Illness Profile-Child Edition. Results: Having multiple co-existing psychiatric problems increased the severity of ADHD in all domains, be it behavioural features, psychosocial impairment or deterioration of quality of life. A similar though less consistent pattern applied to subjects with co-existing ODD/CD. Conclusions: The ADORE study provides impressive evidence for the far-reaching consequences of co-existing psychiatric problems in children with ADHD that warrant intensive consideration in clinical assessment and treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)I/25-I/29
JournalEuropean Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume15
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • Children
  • Co-existing disorders
  • Europe

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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