COMORBIDITY OF ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY.

Based on case studies obtained from Achenauch System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA), the present study examined comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with externalizing and internalizing difficulties in children.

Materials and Methods: After psychiatric diagnosis of the disorder, comprehensive data were gathered by using DSM-IV Questionnaire (in view of parent &teachers), Conners' Rating Scales (parent and teachers forms) and Goldstein Childhood History Form. 15 subjects were selected for case studies among clinical samples.The results of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) (empirically based and DSM-IV based scales) were reported.

Results: The findings of the study indicated a high comorbidity of ADHD with externalizing and internalizing difficulties. The comorbidity of ADHD with Conduct disorder (CD), Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and aggressive behaviors were significant.

Conclusion: The findings have been discussed with regard to the related previous studies. This study has some implications for studying comorbid conditions in large scale studies based on robust psychiatric diagnosis. Additionally, the necessity of considering comorbid conditions in diagnosis and treatment approaches of ADHD has been emphasized.