About half of people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (also known as ADHD) have another condition. In medical terms, this is consider comorbidity: when two or more conditions occur at the same time. The most common comorbid disorders are learning disabilities, depression, bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder and anxiety disorders.
Learning Disabilities
According to 'ADHD Comorbities' by Thomas Brown, the comorbidty rate between learning disabilities and ADHD depends on a person's definition of "learning disability." Some find it as high as 92 percent; others as low as 10 percent.
Depression
Adults with ADHD have a higher chance of having or developing depression. Approximately 30 percent of people with ADHD also met the criteria for depression, according to a 2006 study.
Bipolar Disorder
Because some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder and ADHD are similar, it can be difficult to determine which disorder a person has or if they have both. However, it is believed that approximately 21 percent of people with ADHD will also meet the criteria for bipolar disorder, according to a 2006 study.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
According to Russell Barkley in ADHD in Adults, approximately 24% to 35% of adults diagnosed with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). People with ODD are overly argumentative, spiteful or vindictive and often refuse to obey rules while blaming others for their behavior.
Conduct Disorder
According to Russell Barkley in ADHD in Adults, approximately 17% to 25% of adults diagnosed with ADHD also have conduct disorder. People with conduct disorder will display aggression towards people and animals, destroy property be deceitful and violate the rules.
Anxiety Disorders
According to a 2006 study, about 10 percent of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias and generalized anxiety disorder.
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