ADHD is a prevalent disorder often found in children, adolescents, and adults. Increasingly ADHD has been recognized as essentially an impairment of the brain’s executive functions. Research has demonstrated that for more than half of adolescents and adults with ADHD their functioning is complicated by one or more additional psychiatric disorders. This webinar will describe various types of comorbid disorders often associated with ADHD. It will also suggest ways psychologists can take comorbid disorders into account in assessment and treatment of clients with ADHD.

This presentation will highlight the complexity of ADHD when it is accompanied by any of a wide variety of other psychiatric disorders. It will describe treatment modifications needed for various comorbid forms of ADHD.

Research on frequency and treatment options for various comorbid combinations in ADHD will be considered, including ADHD with anxiety, depression, OCD, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, learning disorders, and substance use disorders. Treatment options for various comorbid combinations will be described.

The presentation will emphasize the importance of considering in assessment and treatment the roles of family, collaborating prescribers, and the context in which the client is engaged such as school or employer. It will also consider the potential of realistic vs. unrealistic hope in assessment and treatment.

Learning Objectives for Webinar:

1. Identify the variety of comorbid disorders often associated with ADHD.
2. Recognize ways specific comorbid disorders can impact ADHD assessment and treatment.
3. Consider ways to develop effective treatment of ADHD complicated by comorbidity.