[Hyperkinetic disorder--etiology, diagnosis, therapy, doubts]

Hyperkinetic Disorder is the most common psychiatric condition diagnosed in children. It is also the most controversial one and gives rise to extreme differences of opinions. Hipercinetic Disorder is viewed as a stigmatizing and harmful label attached to children who are difficult to handle. The opponents indicate the source of popularity of the syndrome in the crisis educational system and the marketing activity of pharmaceutical companies. According to supporters, the lack of diagnosis and treatment of Hyperkinetic Disorder may produce serious, life devastating emotional and social dysfunctions in suffering from the condition children. Most probably the Hyperactivity subject will became more and more popular in our country in the future, especially because two drugs prescribed in this condition are now in the process of registration in Poland. The article is an attempt to make a critical analysis of the current scientific knowledge on prevalence, diagnosis, etiology and therapeutic schemes of Hyperkinetic Disorder.