Developmental psychopathology: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Schmidt
Sören
S
Centre for Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany. sschmidt@uni-bremen.de
Petermann
Franz
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D018450:Disease Progression; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires