Comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a childhood and adolescent student population based sample, Colombia, 2001

Abstract

THDA is frequently accompanied by comorbid conditions like oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, affective disorders, dyslexia and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. A comprehensive evaluation of these associations is important to guide the treatment and has relevance in the prognosis. The prevalence in Sabaneta, Colombia, is 15%. It makes THDA the most frequent neurobehavioural disorder in childhood.

METHODS: Descriptive, transversal study. Sample: random representative, poliaged, proportional according to group size for primary school students between 4 and 17 years of age.

First stage ADHD screening checklist according to DSM-IV criteria.

Second stage: structured neuropsychological interview, Conner´s checklist and intelligence quotient.

 The interview included DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for comorbidity.

RESULTS: learning disorder was the most frequent comorbidity (15,1%), followed by oppositional defiant disorder (5%), generalized anxiety (2,7%), conduct disorders (2,7%), phobias (2,3), depression (1,8%), bipolar disorder (1,8%). Epilepsy and obsessive compulsive disorder represented each 0,9%.

CONCLUSION: Learning Disorder is the most frequent comorbidity in children with THDA. The search for this comorbid condition represents a central hallmark in the successful evaluation and treatment of this condition.