Schizophrenia and ADHD are two different mental disorders, sometimes co-occur and make the situation worse and changing the way you see the world. However, ADHD and schizophrenia both can coexist, but it is not necessary that one condition causes the other. In ADHD, individuals have trouble with attention and thinking, whereas individuals with schizophrenia experience hallucinations.In this article, you may get to know how these two disorders are linked!
Comorbidity of Schizophrenia and ADHD
If two conditions occur at the same time, it is referred to as comorbidity. Both schizophrenia and ADHD are separate mental health conditions, but they have a strong link. ADHD individuals have an impulsive nature, which may lead to excessive drug abuse; this excessive use of drugs may also cause schizophrenia. 25% of individuals who had ADHD in childhood are also struggling with schizophrenia later in life, according to recent studies.
However, ADHD can also co-occur with other mental health conditions. Here are some symptoms by which diagnosing both conditions is challenging. These include:
- Attention
- Disorganzied behavior
What are the symptoms of ADHD and Schizophrenia?
Symptoms of ADHD
Here are some of the most common traits of ADHD. These include:
- Unable to concentrate
- Forgetting things
- Talking too much
- Prone to distraction
- Trouble in the organization
- Highly impulsive behaviour
Symptoms of schizophrenia
The symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized thoughts
- Rambling speech
- Unmotivated
- Isolation
- Skeptical behaviour
What are the similarities and differences between ADHD and Schizophrenia?
ADHD and schizophrenia are two distinct mental health conditions, but they both have some commonalities and differences.
These include:
| Similarities | Differences |
| Schizophrenia and ADHD are genetic disorders; they run in families. | schizophrenia affects the structure of the brain, whereas ADHD affects the neurotransmitters. |
| Psychosis symptoms are present in ADHD and schizophrenia | Both have different on set ages, ADHD occurs in childhood, and schizophrenia occurs in old age |
| Individuals with ADHD and schizophrenia have trouble forgetting things | ADHD individuals have problems with attention and thoughts, and schizophrenia individuals see things that do not exist in the real world. |
Treatment options for the comorbidity of schizophrenia and ADHD
The dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and ADHD is challenging and tough; however, they need psychological treatments from a healthcare expert.
1. Medications
The combinations of medications can be recommended by mental healthcare professionals. Both schizophrenia and ADHD are severe mental health disorders, so they need intense care and a therapeutic approach. Here are some medications that can be helpful for treating schizophrenia and ADHD.
- Antiphyscotics
- Stimulants
- Non-stimulants
2. Psychological intervention
Psychological interventions are beneficial for reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia with combination of medications. CBT is beneficial for both schizophrenia and ADHD, and their co-occurrence. It helps manage stress, improve impulsivity, and social communication.
3. Other helpful considerations:
- As schizophrenia and ADHD both need support, through psychoeducation, healthcare experts teach parents and caretakers for both disorders.
- Schizophrenia and ADHD both face difficulties in socializing, through social skill training, healthcare experts help them ho to interact.
- Both schizophrenia and ADHD can benefit from behavioral therapy and improve their behavioral skills.
- Occupational therapy teaches individuals how to manage self-management.
Conclusion
Two separate and complex mental disorders, schizophrenia and ADHD, are linked together because of their similar symptoms. They both affect neurodevelopment and cause issues with attention, impulsivity, hallucinations, etc. Moreover, 25% of people with schizophrenia had ADHD in childhood, according to recent studies. ADHD and schizophrenia both come from genetics. However, medications and therapies are available to reduce the symptoms.
