12. Comorbid disorders and differential diagnosis

A lot of individuals with ADHD experience other developmental and psychiatric disorders. These can include depression, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or tics.

These comorbidities can develop at the same time (for example, ADHD and ASD may occur simultaneously), or they may develop as a consequence of ADHD (for example, an adolescent might develop high levels of anxiety as a result of ongoing difficulties paying attention at school or organising their academic work).

Vigilance for the use of ADHD symptoms as an explanation for other problems in individuals is highly recommended.