Comorbid conditions in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifespan neurodevelopmental disorder associated with negative functionality in many areas of life and characterized by three main core symptoms: inattention, hyperacivity and impulsivity. Together with the enlightenment of the chronic course of ADHD with longitudinal studies, it became possible to be informed about both clinical feautes of ADHD and comorbid psychiatric conditions. With given rates as close to 80%, comorbidity in adult ADHD is reported to have a significant impact on accurate diagnosis, an eligible treatment plan, accordance, prognosis and the patient’s insight. Mood disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, personality disorders, impulse-control disorders, anxiety disorders and eating disorders take place among the most common comorbidities in adulthood. Comorbidity is associated with significantly greater social, emotional and psychological difficulties and more impairment in general functionality. Therefore, it is recommended to be aware of comorbid conditions and screening for ADHD symptoms in patients referred with other psychiatric diagnoses. In this review, general information about comorbidity in adult ADHD and diagnosis, comorbidity rates, clinical features, etiology and prognostic factor associated with mood disorders, obsessive compulsive and related disordes, eating disorders and personality disorders are discussed.