Effects of coexisting disorders on cognition and behavior in children with ADHD.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the presence of coexisting disorders affects memory, visual-motor skills, and daily functioning in children with ADHD.

METHOD: Eighty-four boys and 18 girls (8 to 16 years old) participate in this study. Twenty children meet criteria for ADHD alone, 42 children for ADHD plus one other disorder, and 40 children for ADHD plus at least two other disorders (reading disability, developmental coordination disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression). Children are assessed on memory and visual-motor skills. Parents complete measures of daily functioning.

RESULTS

No significant group differences emerge for age, socioeconomic status, or IQ. Poorer performance on tests of memory and visual-motor skills, more prevalent behavioral problems, and more impairment in everyday functioning are associated with a higher number of coexisting disorders in children with ADHD.

CONCLUSION

The presence of coexisting disorders has a significant influence on cognition and behavior of children with ADHD.