ADHD with Comorbid Disorders

Book excerpt: Treating a child or adolescent with ADHD is especially challenging when hyperactivity and inattention are accompanied by many other symptoms. It is not uncommon to encounter such complex ADHD cases as the child who also presents with aggression or antisocial behavior, the teen who has made a suicide attempt, or the hyperactive child with mental retardation. Integrating the latest biomedical and psychosocial knowledge, this practice-oriented volume is designed to help clinicians meet the needs of these tough-to-treat clients. The authors review the evaluation and treatment of ADHD with major comorbidities including mood and anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, learning disorders, medical illnesses, and severe developmental disorders. Distinguishing clinical features of each condition are delineated, current psychopharmacological treatments are described, and effective approaches are presented for managing behavioral problems in the home, school, and playground. Filled with illustrative case examples that reflect the authors' extensive clinical experience, the book provides thoughtful coverage of knotty diagnostic and treatment issues.