Final answer:
It is true that patients can have additional problems associated with their principal health issue. These secondary problems or comorbidities can result from the primary condition itself, shared risk factors, or treatment side effects. In the case of neurodevelopmental disorders, genetic and environmental factors can lead to secondary disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many patients will indeed have other problems associated with their principal problem. The statement is true. For example, a patient with a chronic condition like diabetes may also experience associated complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, or renal failure. These co-occurring issues are often referred to as comorbidities or secondary conditions. They can arise as direct consequences of a primary condition, due to shared risk factors, or even as a result of the treatment for the primary condition.
In the context of neurodevelopmental disorders, secondary disorders can develop due to the interaction of genetic vulnerabilities with environmental factors. For instance, the stress of managing a neurodevelopmental disorder like autism spectrum disorder might lead to anxiety or depression. Similarly, certain medications for ADHD might have side effects that could affect behavior or mental health.