Abstract

MARTINEZ ZAMORA, Marta; HENAO LOPEZ, Gloria Cecilia  and  GOMEZ, Luz Ángela. Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Comorbidity With Specific Learning Disorders. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2009, vol.38, suppl.1, pp.178-194. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: The attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder and specific learning disorders (SLD) are among the most important causes for school failure. Furthermore, the high rates of comorbidity between these make it highly probable that the child will require treatment for both disorders. Objective: To revise the literature on comorbidity of ADHD with SLD, in order to identify an adequate approach for both pathologies, and to suggest a management proposal applicable in our region. Method: The current scientific evidence found in recent medical literature was revised and a series of pertinent recommendations was developed for the Latin-American population. Results: The high percentages of SLD comorbidity indicate the need to evaluate school skills in ADHD children, especially as regards reading and mathematics abilities, and at the same time assess the presence of ADHD symptoms in SLD children. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary coordinated group must implement the treatment, with the aim of improving the nuclear SLD deficit by means of re-educational interventions, such as training in phonological skills for dyslexia and in “number sense” comprehension for dyscalculia. Pharmacological treatment must be considered as a complementary intervention to the conventional educational methods.

Keywords : Attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity; learning disorders; treatment.

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