Comorbidities Associated With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents at ‎a Tertiary Care Setting

Abstract

Abstract:‎ Studies have revealed high rates of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric comorbid conditions among ‎individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, research on this ‎topic in the Arab world has been limited. This study evaluates the medical, neurodevelopmental, and ‎psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in Dubai, United Arab ‎Emirates (UAE). A total of 428 pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD were included. Children and ‎adolescents with ADHD had high rates of comorbid disorders. Twenty comorbid conditions were ‎identified. More than 3 quarters of the study sample had at least 1 comorbid disorder. The most ‎common comorbidity among children was autism spectrum disorder, and among adolescents was ‎anxiety disorders. Comprehensive assessments are highly warranted to identify and manage associated ‎comorbid conditions. Further research is needed in exploring the biopsychosocial factors contributing to ‎the elevated rate of comorbidity in children and adolescents with ADHD.‎