Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 2607 - Diagnosing ADHD and comorbid Disorders: the importance of multidisciplinary team assessment |
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| Contribution code | PS01-50 (P) |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Objectives: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or hyperkinetic disorder is frequently comorbid with a variety of psychiatric and somatic disorders, including but not limited to depression or anxiety, tic disorders, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), substance use disorders, learning disabilities, epilepsy, celiakia. Comorbid disorders impact the severity of ADHD, treatment, prognosis and the quality of life of both children and families. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of comorbid diagnoses in children diagnosed with ADHD after their first multidisciplinary team assessment (child and adolescet psychiatrist, clinical psyxhologist, speech therapist, educational specialist, neuropediatritian, EEG) in Croatia. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed at the Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Zagreb. Data on basic sociodemographics and comorbid psychiatric and somatic conditions were collected in all patients diagnosed with ADHD after their first multidisciplinary team assessment between January and June 2016. Results: Overall, 21% patients (274/1304) were diagnosed with ADHD according to the ICD-10 criteria. Out of those, 69.3% (190/274) received one or more comorbid diagnoses. The most frequent comorbid psychiatric diagnoses were specific learning disorders, followed by anxiety and mood disorders, intellectual disabilites, behavior disorders (ODD and CD) and pervasive developmental disorders. The most common comorbid somatic condition was epilepsy. Behavior disorders were more common in boys, while no gender differences were found in the prevalence of comorbid emotional disorders. Conclusion: The results indicate that multidisciplinary team assessment is obligatory in diagnosing ADHD to evaluate not only the symptoms of ADHD but also comorbid disorders. Comorbid conditions may not be identified without the systematic collection of information. Moreover, since many comorbid conditions can be successfully treated, their identification is of very high clinical relevance. Undiagnosed and untreated psychiatric disorders impair educational and occupational achievement and psychosocial functioning. Clinicians who treat children and adolescents with ADHD should be aware that the recognition of comorbid disorders and dysfunctions among these patients and appropriate intervention could have a substantial impact on their outcome. |