Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder differential diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Charmaine Patel, M.D. [2] Charmaine Patel, M.D. [3]

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Microchapters
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Differentiating Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder from Other Diseases

The differential for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is wide, as many of the symptoms overlap with the symptoms seen in other psychiatric illnesses. In addition, there may be comorbidity with other diseases such as seizure disorders and other disorders causing disruptive behavior. Learning disorders are also common in persons with ADHD. Common comorbid disorders include:

• Conduct disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Learning disorders

Disorders that present similarly to ADHD:

• Childhood bipolar disorder
• Childhood depression
• Normal response to a pathologic or abusive home
• Conduct disorder
• Physical abuse or neglect
• Neuroendocrine abnormality such as hyperthyroidism