Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Other Disorders Associated with ADHD

Complications

ADHD can pose challenges for children and their families.

Emotional Problems

Children with ADHD, especially those who also have anxiety or depression disorders, are likely to suffer from low self-esteem.

Social Problems

ADHD can affect children’s relationships with their peers. Children with ADHD can have difficulty with social skills and appropriate behavior, which can lead to bullying (both as victim and perpetrator) and rejection. Impulsivity and aggression can provoke fights and volatile relationships. Children with ADHD and high levels of aggression may be at higher risk for delinquent behavior in adolescence and criminal activity in adulthood.

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Risk of Injury

Impulsivity in young people with ADHD can cause them to take chances without considering the consequences. Children with ADHD are at increased risk for accidents and injuries. For example, a child with ADHD may not check for oncoming traffic while bicycling or may engage in high-risk physical activities.

Substance Abuse

Studies consistently report that young people with ADHD -- in particular those with conduct or mood disorders -- have a higher than average risk for substance abuse and that it starts in younger ages. In one study, by age 11 nearly 20% of children with ADHD had tried smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or both. Biologic factors associated with ADHD may make these individuals susceptible to substance abuse. Many of these young people may actually be self-medicating their condition.

Learning Problems

Although speech and learning disorders are common in children with ADHD, the disorder does not affect intelligence. People with ADHD span the same IQ range as the general population.

Many children with ADHD are underachievers, and half are held back in school at least once. Some evidence suggests that inattention may be a major factor in low academic performance in these children. About 20% also have reading difficulties, and 60% have serious handwriting problems. Adults with ADHD are also at very high risk for these conditions.

Low academic achievement can affect a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence, and also contribute to teasing and other social problems with peers.

Persistence of ADHD into Adulthood

Some research suggests that ADHD persists in one- to two-thirds of those diagnosed with the condition in childhood.

Effect on Family

The time and attention needed to deal with a child with ADHD can change internal family relationships and create conflicts with parents and siblings.

Review Date: 01/27/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).