Family History

Sibling with unexplained death or neurologic abnormality (such as multiple sclerosis); Addison’s disease; or alternatively, lack of a suggestive family history
Learning disabilities, attention disorders, behavior problems often reported in family members

Disease Course
Onset or marked worsening of symptoms; preschool and early years often normal
Behavioral/developmental symptoms chronic, often noticed when child begins school; ADHD diagnosis requires onset of symptoms before age 7

Comorbidity
Symptoms of multiple externalizing and internalizing disorders (i.e. depression or anxiety) common; neurological signs such as seizures often present; adrenal insufficiency often present
Symptoms of multiple externalizing and internalizing disorders (i.e., depression or anxiety) are less common; adrenal insufficiency not usually found


Adapted from Ievers CE, Brwon RT, McCandles SE et al. J Dev Behavior Pediatrics. 1999;20(1):31-35.