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ADHD frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, tic disorders and sleep disorders. This guide explains the most common co-occurring conditions and how they affect assessment and support.
ADHD rarely occurs in isolation. Research consistently shows that the majority of people with ADHD have at least one additional neurodevelopmental or mental health condition. The most commonly co-occurring conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, tic disorders and sleep disorders. Understanding which conditions co-occur with ADHD in an individual is essential for appropriate assessment and support planning, as the needs arising from co-occurring conditions are often as significant as those arising from ADHD itself.
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Anxiety disorders are among the most common co-occurring conditions in people with ADHD, with research suggesting that between 25 and 50 percent of adults with ADHD also have a diagnosable anxiety disorder. The relationship between ADHD and anxiety is complex. Some anxiety in ADHD arises directly from the experience of managing ADHD in a demanding world: worry about forgetting tasks, missing deadlines and social difficulties is a natural response to the challenges ADHD creates. Other anxiety may be a co-occurring condition requiring its own treatment.
Depression is significantly more common in people with ADHD than in the general population. The cumulative impact of ADHD difficulties, including underachievement relative to ability, relationship difficulties, social isolation and the exhaustion of managing ADHD without adequate support, contributes to elevated depression risk. Depression may also share some neurobiological overlap with ADHD. Treating ADHD effectively often improves mood, but depression in ADHD may also require its own targeted treatment.
Around 30 to 50 percent of autistic people also have ADHD and a similar proportion of people with ADHD also have autism. This high co-occurrence has led to extensive research into shared genetic and neurological factors. When both autism and ADHD are present, the combined profile creates a specific set of challenges and strengths that differs from either condition alone. Assessment for both should be sought if either is suspected, as both diagnoses are needed to plan appropriate support.
Dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and other specific learning difficulties are significantly more common in people with ADHD than in the general population. These co-occurring learning difficulties can compound the educational challenges associated with ADHD significantly. A child who has both ADHD and dyslexia will typically need support addressing both. Educational psychologist assessment can identify co-occurring specific learning difficulties alongside or following ADHD assessment.
Tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome, are more common in people with ADHD than in the general population. Approximately 20 percent of children with ADHD have tics. Conversely, ADHD is present in approximately 50 to 60 percent of children with Tourette syndrome. The combination of ADHD and tic disorders requires careful management, as stimulant medications for ADHD can sometimes worsen tics, though this is less commonly seen than previously thought and stimulants remain an appropriate treatment option for many people with both conditions.
Sleep difficulties are extremely common in people with ADHD. Delayed sleep phase, where the natural sleep cycle is shifted later than typical, is particularly common. Difficulty falling asleep due to an active or racing mind, restless legs syndrome and night-time hyperactivity are also frequently reported. Sleep difficulties significantly worsen ADHD symptoms during the day: poor sleep makes inattention, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation worse. Addressing sleep difficulties is an important part of managing ADHD effectively.
For related information see our articles on ADHD Explained and ADHD Diagnosis Process.
The most common co-occurring conditions with ADHD include anxiety disorders in around 25 to 50 percent of adults with ADHD, depression, autism spectrum disorder in around 30 to 50 percent of cases, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, tic disorders and Tourette syndrome, and sleep disorders. Most people with ADHD have at least one additional condition.
If your child with ADHD shows signs of specific difficulties with reading, spelling or written expression beyond what would be expected from attention difficulties alone, assessment for dyslexia is worth pursuing. Both conditions can and do co-occur, and both should be addressed in educational support planning. An educational psychologist assessment can evaluate for dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties alongside or following ADHD assessment.
Anxiety in ADHD can be a direct consequence of managing ADHD in a demanding environment or a separate co-occurring anxiety disorder, or both. This distinction matters for treatment: ADHD-related anxiety often improves significantly when ADHD is treated effectively, while a co-occurring anxiety disorder may need its own targeted treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy. A comprehensive assessment by a clinician experienced in both ADHD and anxiety can help clarify this.
Visit our Understanding ADHD hub for more guides on signs, diagnosis, types, medication, executive function and co-occurring conditions.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about ADHD or any neurodevelopmental condition, speak to a qualified healthcare professional. SENDhelp Education Limited accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of their content.
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