Abstract:

Aim: Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is often seen together with other psychiatric disorders, especially Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to discuss the evaluation of comorbid conditions, treatment, and clinical follow-up in cases diagnosed with SLD, in light of the literature findings. Methods: Cases under the age of 18 who applied to our clinic between January 2016 and May 2021 and were diagnosed with SLD according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria by clinical interview and applied psychometric tests were included in our study. Sociodemographic features, follow-up duration, comorbidities, and treatments of a total of 232 cases were retrospectively examined. Results: We found that 68,1% of participants had at least one psychiatric comorbidity and the most frequent comorbidity was Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); 58.6% were using some medical treatment and the majority of patients who used medication were under ADHD treatment. Furthermore, 71.6% did not continue follow-ups for more than 3 months (drop-out). Patients who had ADHD comorbidity or were under ADHD treatment had longer follow-up durations and older ages at diagnosis compared to other groups. In addition, drop-out rates were lower in patients who had ADHD comorbidity and were using any psychiatric medication. Conclusion: The most common comorbid condition accompanying SLD is ADHD. It was determined that ADHD and psychiatric drug treatment affected the clinical follow-up of the cases. It was concluded that the results have emphasized that SLD should not be considered as a single disorder and the importance of comorbid conditions in the diagnosis and treatment process.

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