Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents from the Neurobiological Perspective

  • Sandra Cristina Catelan-Mainardes Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR
Keywords: Children and Adolescents, Disorder, Etiology, Co-Morbidities.

Abstract

The attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (TDA/H) is characterized by symptoms of lack of attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It consists of premature beginning, chronic evolution, complex diagnoses, with repercussions on several contexts. In fact, it is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in childhood, with low schooling performance and troubles with relatives and friends. Studies with relatives of adopted children and twins highlight the influence of genetic factors on their etymology, although the TDA/H has impaired the diagnostic process by the presence of psychiatric co-morbidities. Current study revises the main aspects of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, including history, etiology, co-morbidities, diagnostic, prevalence, clinical features, outcome and treatment. In fact, the article comprises a comprehensive, non-systematic review of the literature on the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is highly important that diagnosis occurs early since the pathology may be treated and morbidities associated with it may be prevented.

Author Biography

Sandra Cristina Catelan-Mainardes, Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR
Farmacêutica bioquímica; Mestre em Biologia Celular pela Universidade Estadual de Maringá – UEM; Docente do Departamento de Saúde no Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR. E-mail: catelan@cesumar.br
Published
2010-09-17
Section
Artigos de Revisão