[Attention deficit disorder in childhood].
Attention deficit disorder, eventually associated with hyperactivity (ADD +/- H), is nowadays viewed as a syndrome often of unknown etiology but probably not unique, with important genetic influence and associated environmental factors. The cognitive model proposing ADHD as a result of impaired inhibitory control which makes the child less flexible to changing circumstances suffers from poor sensibility and specificity. As studies aimed to make genotype-phenotype correlations were disappointing, recent genetic researches tend to correlate the genotype to an endophenotype defined from neuro-imaging data with encouraging preliminary results. Treatment with methylphenidate has long been considered as a first choice for disabling forms of ADHD, but recent data do not show evidence for superiority of methylphenidate compared to non pharmacological approach at long-term. Evaluation and treatment of each suspected case of ADHD need to be tailored with special concern for associated conditions as psycho-affective troubles or learning difficulties.
Van Bogaert
P
P
Clinique de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles. pvanboga@ulb.ac.be
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013577:Syndrome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate