Developmental psychopathology: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly regarded as a typical childhood disorder, is now known as a developmental disorder persisting over the lifespan. Starting in preschool-age, symptoms vary depending on the age group affected. METHOD: According to the variability of ADHD-symptoms and the heterogeneity of comorbid psychiatric disorders, a broad review of recent studies was performed. These findings were summarized in a developmental psychopathological model, documenting relevant facts on a timeline. RESULTS: Based on a genetic disposition and a neuropsychological deregulation, there is evidence for factors which persist across the lifespan, change age-dependently, or show validity in a specific developmental phase. Qualitative changes can be found for children in preschool-age and adults. CONCLUSION: These differences have implications for clinical practice as they can be used for prevention, diagnostic proceedings, and therapeutic intervention as well as for planning future studies. The present article is a translated and modified version of the German article "Entwicklungspsychopathologie der ADHS", published in Zeitschrift für Psychiatrie, Psychologie und Psychotherapie, 56, 2008, S. 265-274.

Author information

Author/s: Schmidt, Sören (S); Petermann, Franz (F);

Affiliation: Centre for Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany. sschmidt(-atsign-)uni-bremen.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: BMC psychiatry (BMC Psychiatry), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-; vol 9 (issue ) : pp 58

Dates: Created 2009/09/25; Completed 2009/10/02;

PMID: 19761584, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/2/2009, IMS Date: )

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