Blog Post

ADHD is a complex and chronic disorder and is often accompanied by other coexisting disorders which complicate accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

December 8, 2021

To make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan, the individual’s cognitive, psychological, academic, and social functioning, including family relationships, need to be carefully assessed. Standardized testing and comprehensive clinical interviews are needed to identify the individual’s specific deficits arising from the ADHD and any coexisting disorders.


Medication alone will not effectively treat all the ADHD symptoms, especially executive functioning deficits such as organization, planning, time management and emotional regulation. Coaching to teach the individual strategies to compensate for these deficits is necessary. Parent counseling is also critical in these situations where parenting can either undermine or support the functioning of the child.


Likewise, medication may temporarily reduce the symptoms of coexisting depression and anxiety but therapy is essential in remediating the thinking issues directly related to these coexisting disorders.


Gillian Botha-Harvey, M.A. Clin. Psy.


COO and Clinical Consultant


Comorbid ADHD Complicates Most Diagnoses and Treatment Plans

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