[Clinical evaluation and treatment of insomnia in childhood].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to review and update the knowledge about insomnia in childhood.


METHODS
The text was based on a MEDLINE search (publications from 1999 to 2004) using the keywords sleep disorders, insomnia, and childhood. Classic articles and textbooks about the subject were also included. The authors proposed a practical schedule to evaluate and treat insomnia in childhood.


RESULTS
The article was structured on descriptive topics containing the definition of insomnia, age-related clinical characteristics and therapeutics.


CONCLUSIONS
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder in pediatric outpatient clinics and is often misdiagnosed. Defining its etiology is the main goal to establish therapeutic procedures. In most cases, clinical history is sufficient to establish the diagnosis and reassure parents of the benign nature of this condition.
Nunes
Magda Lahorgue
ML
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. nunes@pucrs.br
Cavalcante
Verônica
V
D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011613:Psychotherapy; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives