[Child is inattentive, cannot sit still, disturbs the classroom. Is it really a hyperkinetic disorder?]

The clarification of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires an unequivocal categorization of the diagnostic criteria and a differentiation of the condition from normal variations and other disorder patterns. The ICD-10 criteria comprise the main symptoms inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In kindergarten and preschool children, hyperactivity predominates, while in schoolchildren poor attention and cognitive impulsivity tend to be to the fore. In adolescence, aggressiveness and dissocial behavior coupled with drug abuse become central. In adulthood, ADHD is associated in particular with a tendency towards a lower social status and more frequent delinquency. Establishment of the diagnosis of ADHD requires information from the person to whom the individual relates. In this connection, exploration schemas, check lists and questionnaires are often very helpful. With regard to the differential diagnosis, mental disturbances due to physical causes (e.g. hearing disorders, epilepsy, etc.) must be excluded. Consideration must also be given in particular to comorbidities--found in up to two-thirds of cases--in which disordered social behavior, affective disorders and anxiety disturbances dominate.