The assessment of comorbid disorders in ADHD children and adolescents.

PURPOSE The aim of these examinations undertaken by their authors was to run analysis concerning types and frequency of comorbid disorders occurrence in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) children and teenagers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Research, carried out from May 2005 to January 2007, in the area of the Lódź province, used a questionnaire, worked out by the above authors, addressed to parents of ADHD children and teenagers (research made in schools and among patients contacting the Clinical Psychology Institute of CZMP), and the study of medical documentation. 28 persons, 5 girls and 23 boys made the research group 7 to 13 years old (with an average age of 10.2), who had previously been ADHD diagnosed. RESULTS Out of disorders pointed out by parents, school problems of different degree of intensity appeared the most frequent ones, (39% of the examined) 18% with diagnosed dyslexia, head injuries (in 12 cases--26%), bed-wetting at 8 boys (17% of all registered diseases). Moreover tics disorder was diagnosed in 3 boys, epilepsy in 2 boys, habitual activity in one girl and one boy. CONCLUSIONS Head injuries, bed-wetting and dyslexia have most often been comorbid disorders. Boys with ADHD more often than ADHD girls, suffer from comorbid disorders. Desirable in the scope of ADHD diagnosis, further research on co-accompanying illnesses and its improvement.