ADHD and dysthymic disorder: Toward understanding this common comorbidity in children and adolescents

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dysthymic disorder (DD) are common childhood psychiatric disorders that have a greater-than-chance association. To date, their relationship has not been systematically examined despite their frequent co-occurrence in children and adolescents referred to clinical health services. This article defines ADHD and DD, reviews their characteristics, and outlines the emerging evidence from phenomenological and cognitive neuroscience studies regarding their association. ADHD and, separately, DD are significant drivers for oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in children and adolescents. ADHD and DD both have elevated levels of neurological subtle ..