Understanding Complex ADHD: Insights From a Developmental Pediatrician

Tri-State Developmental Pediatrics knows that Complex ADHD is a challenge Cincinnati, OH, parents may struggle to meet. It’s understandable — this condition can be devastating and may occur in both children and parents. When both you and your child have symptoms, life may be very hard. Thankfully, we’re here to help: we understand treatment and diagnosis for this issue.

What Is This Problem?

This complex term refers to any attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that occurs with other types of emotional issues…in other words, it may have one or more “underlying” problems. Co-occurring disorders often create a nasty cycle — they can influence each other and create a hard-to-escape pattern of behavior that may linger for many years in your life. 

Frustratingly, these co-occurring issues can make your therapy more confusing and complicate diagnosis…just think about it from a doctor’s perspective. Let’s say you have both anxiety and attention hyperactive attention disorder: your physician may not know what is causing your attention problems or may misdiagnose you. Thankfully, treatment is available by watching for common comorbidities…knowledge, as always, is your best friend when it comes to treatment.

Comorbidities to Watch 

The co-occurring disorders that develop with this complex issue will vary based on age. For example, young children often have behavioral issues and conduct disorders — including oppositional defiant disorder ODD) — that adults don’t develop. They occur in about half of all kids with this condition. Anxiety is far more common in adults than it is in children with this issue. 

That said, both might develop a myriad of symptoms, including:

• Behavioral tics that make life very difficult
• Learning disabilities based on their struggle to pay attention 
• Mood and substance use disorders that could worsen

Diagnosis and Treatment 

Tri-State Developmental Pediatrics can provide excellent Complex ADHD diagnosis and treatment in Cincinnati, OH, to keep your child healthy. Steps include:

• Checking for six of the common symptoms of this disorder
• Diagnosing other problems that may impact it 
• Providing medical treatments (such as stimulants)
• Going through psychotherapy together
• Moving through behavioral training for parents and children
• Teaching healthy behaviors (sleep, nutrition, and exercise)

Contact Us Today

Your child can live a happy and successful life, especially if you catch this problem early. Call our team at Tri-State Developmental Pediatrics in Cincinnati, OH at (513) 275-6630 today.