ADHD-Can it lead to other disorders and illnesses?

[PatchedSoul]

Hi, I'm a 16 year old female and I've been diagnosed with ADHD for 7, going on 8 years. I've taken medication constantly throughout all these years and it's helped considerably. I've seen improvements in school and at home, but mostly in school. But I was wondering if ADHD can lead to other disorders or illnesses like anxiety, OCD, or depression or anything similar to those.

[Sandman2]

    Glad I be could help.  If you ever need any more info on ADHD or dealing with ADHD - I have lots of resources.  Best wishes!

[PatchedSoul]

Yeah, it is a good article. Thanks again for providing it, I mean I agree, lots of helpful information. And that makes sense, about the ADHD magnifying the OCD. Thanks for all the advice and help!

[Sandman2]

      the link is worth it because its really the anxiety that is bothering you.  the link talks about treatment strategies that can help.  And ya, the ADHD will really magnify the OCD because you will hyper focus.

[PatchedSoul]

Ok, ok, I'll read it! Thank you for providing it. And I'm not sure if the problems seem greater when off the meds, I've been so wrapped up in the possibility of OCD that I didn't spend much time wondering if my ADHD was effecting me as well. I didn't wonder about ADHD leading to OCD or having any part in OCD until recently.

[Sandman2]

  Very  definitely.  Read the link I sent on anxiety.

[PatchedSoul]

So the ADHD along with OCD can also cause me to obsess over these thoughts?

[Sandman2]

   The ADHD can make you obsess on these things, particularly if the med has worn off.  Does the problems seem greater when off the meds?
   Also make sure you read the link I included in my last post.  It really has a lot of useful/helpful info.

[PatchedSoul]

Ok. Because I've had bouts of obsessive thoughts over the years that last a while and really effect me in emotional and some physical ways. They'll start small and I'll just brush them off then later they'll come back out of no where full swing and just takes control of me and causes me to obsessively think about it constantly. All this worry and anxiety and depression are mixed in. I'm not sure if it's OCD or not but it has to be something. Right now I'm going through something that's called HOCD which is the fear of becoming gay/bi and i might got see a counselor and/or doctor to see if I'm possibly diagnosed with OCD/HOCD and talk more about my doses for ADHD and see if that helps if need be. I don't know. I just know I feel really screwed up and I was just wondering if ADHD had any ties to what I've gone through and what I'm going through now which could be OCD.

[Sandman2]

    A definite yes!   Something like 25% of children with ADHD have anxiety.  The number with depression for children is not as great, but grows as a person ages (especially untreated, or not treated correctly).  OCD can typically be a compensating action for ADHD.
   Really great link here on anxiety and ADHD.  Well worth your time to read.
        http://www.add.org/page/ADHDandAnxiety
  If I can provide any more info please feel free to ask.  Best wishes.