What does “comorbidity” mean in psychiatry?

Comorbidity implies the simultaneous presence of two or more conditions in a patient. In psychiatry, comorbidity is used to explain the overlap between anxiety, depression, and ADHD. 

Anxiety is a nervous condition that causes excessive worry and fear that can impede on an individual’s interpersonal life and physical health. 

Depression is a mood condition with persistent feelings of sadness, loss of energy, and loss of interest in hobbies and social life. Depression can cause changes in sleep, diet, and focus. 

ADHD is a motivational condition that is usually diagnosed in childhood, however it is common for adults to have undiagnosed ADHD. Individuals with ADHD struggle to stay focused, retain information, and complete tasks. 

How do these conditions co-exist together? 

All psychiatric conditions have the potential to cause deep distress in an individual. For example, feelings of inadequacy from ADHD can trigger symptoms of depression; the struggles with depression can then cause excessive anxiety. 

A significant reason for the co-existence of these conditions has to do with the overlapping of symptoms. These include: 

• Emotional dysregulation (ADHD & depression)

• Chronic anxiety (Anxiety, depression, ADHD)

• Impulsive behaviors (Anxiety & ADHD)

• Difficulty concentrating and decision-making (ADHD & depression)

Do I treat comorbidity any different from treating a single condition?

The comorbidity of anxiety, depression, and ADHD can be an aggravating cycle. This is why seeing a mental health provider to treat one of these conditions is significant to treating other conditions; hence why psychiatric care can be considered preventative care. 

By consulting a provider, you can decide if you need to plan to treat your comorbidity any differently from than treating a single condition.