define comorbid

Comorbid (pronounced koh-more-bid), adjective; comorbidity (koh-more-bid-it-ee), noun

As many of you already know, children and teens with bipolar disorder often have other brain related disorders as well. Something that co-exists with another medical disorder is called comorbid. For example, if you child’s primary diagnosis is bipolar disorder but your child also has anxiety, the doctor might say “Your child has bipolar disorder with a comorbid anxiety disorder.”

Almost any two diagnoses can occur at the same time in a person but the ones that occur mostly commonly with bipolar disorder include:

-- ADHD (over 90% of children and teens who meet criteria for a bipolar diagnosis also meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis; many of the symptoms of hyperactivity can also be symptoms of mania, so clarifying this issue can be tricky);

-- learning disabilities;

-- anxiety disorders (such as OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety or panic disorder);

-- behavioral disorders (such as ODD or conduct disorder);

-- Tourette’s syndrome;

-- autistic spectrum disorders (including autism, high-functioning autism, Asperger’s);

-- sensory integration disorders;

-- alcohol and/or drug abuse (particular if bipolar disorder is untreated or poorly treated);

-- seizure disorders;

-- and brain injuries.

Please be aware that this is by no means a comprehensive list of diagnoses that can be comorbid with bipolar. If it seems as if something is being missed in the understanding of your child’s situation or in his/her treatment, you may want to consider specifically asking the tdoc and pdoc if there might be a comorbid disorder “hiding” behind the bipolar symptoms. Children and teens with comorbid disorders often find stability at bit more elusive. They will probably require some form of treatment for all their existing disorders in order to finally attain stability. Medications which are used for some of the most commonly comorbid disorders can, however, interfere with the effective management of bipolar symptoms. So treatment of comorbid disorders should be carefully managed by your child’s pdoc along with the treatment of the bipolar disorder.

Other terms that can be used to mean comorbid include co-occurring, coexisting, and concomitant.

THE FINE PRINT

The information on these web pages is the compilation of parents who are trying to help our kids and in the process help others as well. The information found on this site is intended solely for informational, educational and support purposes only. There are no claims made of medical, legal, educational or other advice nor are there any guarantees implied. Do not make any medication or therapy changes, legal, educational or other decisions based on information found here without first consulting a professional who knows your child and family. Many websites, books and other sources are referenced for information, such reference does not imply endorsement.

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