ADHD comorbidity findings from the MTA study: comparing comorbid subgroups

Previous studies have found differences between those with ADHD and those with ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder. In some cases, those with multiple conditions can have different symptoms and different responses to treatment.

Some experts have suggested that these combinations of disorders may be considered different subtypes of ADHD.

This study aimed to get a better understanding of how having other psychiatric conditions in addition to ADHD affects ADHD symptoms.

In doing so, researchers hoped to improve how we diagnose and treat those with multiple psychiatric conditions.

This research used data from the MTA, a long-term study on children with ADHD. The MTA has been the basis of many publications on ADHD. It is one of the best datasets on ADHD treatment in children.

The researchers gathered information on children over time and across the study.

The results show that having psychiatric conditions in addition to ADHD affects how a patient responds to treatment.

Those with ADHD are most commonly treated with medication, behavioral therapy, or both.

The study found that whether a person responded to a specific type of treatment depends on whether the person also had anxiety or conduct disorder.

Generally, most with ADHD responded well to a combination of behavioral and medication therapy. This is consistent with studies showing that combined treatments are often the most effective.

Those with ADHD, a conduct disorder, and an anxiety disorder only consistently responded well to combination therapies.

Those with ADHD and anxiety tended to respond well to behavioral, medication, or combined therapies.

Those with ADHD alone, without an anxiety disorder, typically required medication to show optimal results.

The chart below shows the basis of the results. As you can see, those with an anxiety disorder tended to respond well across the board. Those with ADHD or ADHD and disruptive behavior only responded well when there was medication involved.

The chart above is based on parents' assessments of their child’s ADHD symptoms.

These data were generally consistent with other tests that the researchers conducted.

This study shows that children with different disorders, in addition to ADHD, respond differently to treatments.

ADHD treatment isn’t one size fits all. If you or your loved one has ADHD, assessing them for other conditions can be essential. This helps them get treated for all of their needs and allows their healthcare provider to select the best treatment for their ADHD.