Comorbidity of psychiatric disorders in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Background and Objectives: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) occurs concurrently with many psychiatric disorders. Considering lack of information about comorbid psychiatric disorders in Iranian children, this study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric disorders comorbidity in the children with ADHD. Methods: In a cross sectional study, frequency of comorbid psychiatric disorders in a randomly selected sample of children with definitive ADHD referred to child and adolescent psychiatry clinic of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, was determined through clinical interview using Kiddie's Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. Results: The mean age of participating children was 7.35±1.23 years and 132(66%) children were boy. Among 200 children, 107 (53.5%) had at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder which Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder was most prevalent psychiatric disorders following with Enuresis, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder respectively. There were statistically significant relationships between age and the type of comorbid psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders comorbidity such as OCD, Enuresis and ODD in children with ADHD, precise diagnosis and proper treatment is essential. More studies are recommended for detection and proper treatment of these psychiatric disorder comorbidities.