Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. A clinical review

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition whose main symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD has been associated with a model of pathophysiological heterogeneity, in which, among others, executive functions are mostly affected, generating significant difficulties in responding to certain stimuli, planning and organizing a variety of actions, reflecting on possible consequences, and inhibiting the first, initial automatic response to substitute it with a more appropriate one. ADHD accounts for up to 50% of consultations in child psychiatry, and its prevalence has been estimated between 2% and 12% of the pediatric population. It is multifactorial in origin and, in 70% of the cases, it can coexist with other psychiatric and neurological disorders. The diagnosis is basically clinical and requires, ideally, a careful medical examination as well as exhaustive interviews with parents or caregivers and teachers, as well as, the interview of the child or adolescent whenever possible. Every child or adolescent with ADHD should have a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that considers the chronicity and impact of the condition, and involves psychopharmacological and / or therapeutic behavioral measures to improve the central manifestations of ADHD and a possible associated functional decline.