title: [Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: neurobiological aspects, diagnosis and therapeutic approach].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually associated to child development, presenting a strong neurobiological influence and being, thus, mostly common in childhood. This disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of lack of attention and/or by hyperactivity and impulsivity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a systematic literature review on ADHD in children, focusing neurobiological aspects, diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a literature review about ADHD in childhood, from 1994 through 2008. The neurobiological mechanisms that participate in ADHD are complex, involving the dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. The diagnosis of ADHD must be based on the clinical behavior, since there is no biological marker defined. Metilfenidate is the main drug used for children's treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The search for relief of ADHD symptoms ought to be based on organic treatments, other specific treatments using medications or neurofeedbacks, as well as behavior therapies.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Brasil.
authors.forename: Liana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.forename: Edna
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chaves
authors.forename: Silvânia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vasconcelos
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fonteles
authors.forename: Francisca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Sousa
authors.forename: Glauce
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Viana
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology