Comorbid Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2456Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, psychiatric comorbidity, ChildrenAbstract
Background
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently present with psychiatric comorbidities, particularly anxiety and mood disorders, which complicate diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Identifying these comorbidities is essential for effective clinical intervention.
Objectives
To compare the prevalence and pattern of comorbid anxiety and mood disorders among children with ASD and ADHD using standardized diagnostic interviews.
Materials and Methods
This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the outpatient department of Psychiatry at Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences (BMIMS), Pawapuri, Bihar, India, over a period of 12 months from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 100 children aged 5–13 years were enrolled, including 50 diagnosed with ASD and 50 with ADHD based on DSM-IV criteria. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected after obtaining written informed consent. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Childhood Diagnoses (KID-SCID). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Psychiatric comorbidity was observed in 57.5% of children with ASD and 40.0% of children with ADHD. Internalizing disorders, especially anxiety disorders, were significantly more prevalent in the ASD group (27.5%) compared to the ADHD group (10.0%). Externalizing disorders were slightly more common in ADHD but did not differ significantly. Age showed a weak positive correlation with internalizing symptoms in ASD.
Conclusion
Psychiatric comorbidities are common in children with ASD and ADHD, with internalizing disorders being more prevalent in ASD. Routine screening for psychiatric comorbidities is essential for early diagnosis and effective management.
Recommendation
Future studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up are recommended to better understand the progression and impact of psychiatric comorbidities in children with ASD and ADHD.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Supriya Kumari, Amardeep Kumar, Amardeep Kumar, Anant Kumar Verma, Rajesh Pradhan
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