Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
05:32

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

9.3K

Comorbidities and functional impairments in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in China: a

Xiaoyan Shi1, Yiting Ji1, Shizhong Cai2

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.

BMJ Open
|March 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children with ADHD experience more comorbidities and functional impairments. Comorbidities significantly worsen functional impairment, impacting various life domains more than core ADHD symptoms. Comprehensive clinical management is crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
  • Understanding comorbidity patterns and their impact on functional impairment is critical for effective management.
  • Previous research highlights the challenges faced by children with ADHD in various life domains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess and compare comorbidity patterns and functional impairment in children with and without ADHD.
  • To investigate the influence of comorbidities on functional impairment in children diagnosed with ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study involving 8256 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in China.
  • Data collected between 2016-2019 using Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale and Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent Form.
  • Participants were divided into ADHD (n=5640) and non-ADHD (N-ADHD, n=2616) groups.

Main Results:

  • The ADHD group exhibited significantly higher rates of comorbidities (47.4%) and functional impairments (84.5%) compared to the N-ADHD group (p≤0.001).
  • Functional impairment scores were significantly higher across all six domains (family, academic, life skills, self-concept, social, risky activities) in the ADHD group (p≤0.001).
  • Comorbidities exacerbated functional impairment in the ADHD group, with their impact exceeding that of core ADHD symptoms on all functional domains.

Conclusions:

  • Comorbidities play a substantial role in adaptive functioning deficits among children with ADHD.
  • Clinical management strategies for suspected ADHD should integrate assessment of core symptoms, comorbidities, and functional impairments.
  • Addressing multiple comorbidities is essential for improving outcomes in children with ADHD.
Abstract

Keywords:
child & adolescent psychiatrycommunity child healthimpulse control disorders

More Related Videos

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

6.0K
Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol13:09

Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol

Published on: April 1, 2018

10.6K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
533
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
249
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
279
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
549