How to manage co-occurring learning disorders and mental health conditions

Do you know a child who’s intelligent yet has difficulty with following instructions or finishing their homework? Or what about an adult who has trouble remembering names and dates or completing tasks on time? These behaviors may indicate a possible learning disorder.

Learning disorders, or learning disabilities, affect a person’s ability to learn, process, and retain information. Having an unmanaged or undiagnosed learning disorder can be frustrating, especially when it comes with a co-occurring mental health condition. Research indicates that around half of people with a learning disorder have one or more co-occurring mental health conditions. 

How can learning disabilities affect mental health?

Learning disorders are sometimes confused for mental health conditions, but it’s important to note they’re not the same. Learning disabilities affect specific cognitive skills, like information processing or focusing. Mental health conditions impact mood, thoughts, and behavior.

There are different types of learning disorders, and each affects how your brain processes and uses information. One of the most common learning disorders is dyslexia, a condition that makes reading more difficult. Dysgraphia, characterized by difficulty with writing skills, and dyscalculia, which involves challenges with math, are two other core learning disorders.

Some common signs of a possible learning disorder include trouble with: 

• Remembering information 
• Sustaining attention
• Following directions
• Telling time
• Staying organized

Learning disorder symptoms can be a barrier to success at work or school, but they can also impact people’s interpersonal relationships, hobbies and passions, and ability to navigate daily situations. However, help is available through appropriate resources and support systems. Without these resources and support, learning disorders can lead to frustration, stress, low self-esteem, and overall reduced emotional well-being. 

Mental and emotional health issues aren’t always easy to spot, but here are some warning signs that someone may be having difficulty with their mental well-being. 

In children, this may look like:

• Hyperactivity
• Changes in school performance
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Excessive anxiety or worry
• Persistent nightmares 
• Disobedience or aggression 
• Frequent temper tantrums

In adults, this may look like:

• Changes in sleeping and eating habits 
• Extreme emotional highs or lows
• Social withdrawal
• Apathy
• Excessive worry, stress, or nervousness
• Suicidal thoughts*
• Substance use
• Trouble coping with daily problems and activities

Remember, having one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean someone has a mental health condition, but it may be a signal to seek further evaluation.

*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.

What conditions are associated with learning disorders?

In addition to affecting people’s emotional well-being, learning disorders have been associated with an increased risk of certain mental health conditions. A study of children ages six to 18 years old found attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depressive disorders were common among youth with specific learning disorders.

Research indicates the following conditions are more common in people with learning disabilities than in the general population:

• Autism
• Schizophrenia 
• Bipolar disorder
• Pica

Experts are still investigating why some people are at greater risk for learning disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. One theory is there’s an indirect causal relationship. For example, having a learning disorder like dyslexia can make it more difficult to succeed at school, which can trigger symptoms of depression. 

Another theory is that the conditions share common biological risk factors, with some research suggesting a shared genetic link between ADHD and reading and spelling disorders. Environmental factors, such as a child’s home environment, and emotional factors, such as their self-confidence and coping skills, can also affect the development of co-occurring conditions. 

Support for co-occurring learning disorders and mental health conditions

A professional evaluation and accurate diagnosis are essential to receiving the right treatment for learning disorders and any co-occurring mental health conditions. When treating co-occurring disorders, it’s best to take an integrated approach, addressing both conditions at the same time. Regardless of which condition came first, it’s important to recognize they’re two distinct conditions that require separate support. 

Learning disabilities are typically lifelong challenges but can be successfully managed with early intervention. Diagnosing a learning disorder often involves a medical evaluation, educational assessment, psychological evaluation, and neuropsychological assessment. Treatment may vary based on a person’s age, symptoms, and symptom severity but may include education and lifestyle changes to help both children and adults achieve success. 

Therapy is also used to help people improve their self-esteem and develop healthier coping skills. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used type of therapy designed to help people solve problems, confront their fears, and reduce stress and tension during difficult moments. 

Providers often treat mental health conditions with talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. An undiagnosed mental health condition can affect the severity and outlook of the learning disorder, which is why it’s important to recognize and treat symptoms early. Work with your provider to determine the best treatment approach for yourself or your child. 

Find care with Rula

Living with a learning disability can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to define you. If you’re struggling with symptoms of a learning disability and co-occurring mental health conditions, know that you’re not alone and help is available. Many people with co-occurring learning disabilities and mental health conditions lead successful, fulfilling lives. 

Rula’s diverse network of providers includes more than 10,000 licensed therapists practicing over 80 modalities of care. Using Rula, you can easily find a therapist who understands learning disorders, is taking new clients, and is in network with your insurance. Plus, Rula’s platform is designed to make it easy to attend sessions virtually in a convenient online setting.

Find care with Rula