Is ADHD a Dual Diagnosis?

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a well-known condition that affects both children and adults. It consists of having symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and racing thoughts. If ADHD does not sound challenging already, it does not often occur in isolation. Countless individuals with ADHD also experience another mental health issue. This situation is known as comorbidity. When ADHD, then, is coupled with another mental health disorder, it is often referred to as a dual diagnosis.

What is comorbidity?

Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more disorders in the same individual. For example, it is a case of comorbidity when someone is diagnosed with ADHD, and has other conditions like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or substance use disorders. Unfortunately, comorbidity is common, which causes treatment plans to grow in their complexity.

Is ADHD a dual diagnosis?

Only when ADHD occurs alongside another mental health disorder is it called a dual diagnosis. It would be an error to assume that because someone has been diagnosed with ADHD, it automatically deals with a dual diagnosis, though this is sometimes the case. Sometimes, for example, a person might struggle with bipolar disorder in addition to their ADHD diagnosis. Mental health professionals are keen on recognizing the distinction and often treat both disorders simultaneously. It would be a mistake to focus on one condition alone. This may lead to incomplete treatment and may even worsen the symptoms of both disorders.

What conditions can occur with ADHD?

Some of the most common conditions ADHD can occur with are the following:

  • Anxiety Disorders. This typically manifests as excessive worry, restlessness, or panic attacks.
  • Mood Disorders. This includes disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, etc.
  • Substance Use Disorders. This includes alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, tobacco, etc.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This manifests in repetitive behaviors or obsessive thoughts, which leads to unfortunate and daily challenges.

Mental health professionals, as mentioned above, are keen to make specific and personalized treatment plans to help the numerous conditions someone with ADHD may have. 

What is the most common ADHD comorbidity?

Anxiety disorders are the most common ADHD comorbidity, with research suggesting that people with ADHD are much more likely to experience anxiety than those without ADHD. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. Doctors are careful to watch and treat both conditions to ensure one does not worsen the symptoms of the other. 

What is ADHD usually misdiagnosed as?

ADHD, because its symptoms can often overlap with other mental health conditions, can be difficult to diagnose in isolation. It can often be misdiagnosed as:

  • Inattention
  • Hyperactive-impulsivity
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders

Is ADHD overdiagnosed?

Some experts believe that the increased awareness of ADHD has led to more accurate diagnoses than not. On the other hand, some argue that the condition is often diagnosed too quickly. They say that considerations for other possible explanations must be done for the symptoms first. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment. This means that adults, and worse for children, can be inappropriately treated for something they do not have with heavy stimulant medication they may not need. 

It is important not to misdiagnose yourself. With the rise of healthy awareness of mental health conditions, social media has contributed to teenagers self-identifying with certain mental health conditions before meeting mental health professionals. As we have noted above, the issue of ADHD and possible comorbidities is complex. When curious whether you may have any of the previously mentioned conditions, it is imperative to submit to an expert health professional. Their training is meant to clarify any confusion that may be in the public discourse and help ameliorate the situation. 

Private Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry

At Fifth Ave Psychiatry, we are an expert team of psychologists and psychiatrists who want to see people healed and restored. We understand that this looks different for everyone. 

Finding the right diagnosis, medication, dose, and overall treatment can be complicated. We want you to know we are here to help you explore your options for the comprehensive care you need.

If you or anyone you know struggles with ADHD or any other mental health condition and is seeking a thorough approach to treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our outpatient services are ideal if you need additional support to help you regain control over your life. 

To inquire about the services we offer, call (212) 734-0506.

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