Hyperkinetic Disorder at the Child Age

Overview

This article is aimed at hyperkinetic disorder/ADHD, the most prevalent psychopathological symptomatology and mental disorder in childhood and adolescence. It discusses the historical context of ADHD, terminology, etiology, pathological mechanism, clinical picture, their frequent co-morbidities and occurrence of hyperkinetic symptoms in context of another mental disorders, valid diagnostic criteria and adequate therapeutic interventions. There is underlined the role of pediatricians, especially those of first contact, in early identification of behavioral hyperkinetic symptomatology in childhood and adolescence, appropriate diagnosis and treatment, which are important also in preventive and prognostic perspective.

Key words:
hyperkinetic disorder, ADHD, diagnosis, treatment, childhood, adolescence