Trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is frequently displayed in structured situations at home, school and/or work. The symptoms that cause impairment must have been present before age 7 years and persist, at least, to the adult life. Inattention may be manifest in academic, social and occupational settings: fail to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes, has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or plays activities, does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, etc. Hyperactivity may be manifested by fidgetiness or squirming, by not remaining seated when expected to do so, etc. Hyperactivity may vary with the individual's age and developmental level. The 50% of the children with the disorder remain with symptoms that cause impairment through the adult life. The multimodal treatment and the pharmacological approach are presented and discussed.