Dysthymic disorder contributes to oppositional defiant behaviour in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, combined type (ADHD-CT)

Abstract

Background: The specific relationships between oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), ADHD-CT, dysthymic disorder (DD) and anxiety disorders symptoms have not been studied in children with ADHD-CT. The relationship to DD is important because DD is common, has an earlier age of onset, is associated with significant morbidity and with increased rates of treatment non-responsiveness when comorbid with major depressive disorder and/or ADHD-CT. Methods: 200 clinically referred children with ADHD-CT, without comorbid major depressive disorder, were identified. 'ODD', 'ADHD-CT', 'DD' and 'anxiety disorders' symptoms were defined by composite measures of (1) semi-structured clinical interview and (2) ..