Attention deficits in school-aged children and adolescents. Current issues and practice

Attention deficits in school-aged children and adolescents pose unique diagnostic and management challenges for the practitioner. While this symptom reflects a heterogeneous spectrum of disorders with varying etiologies, clinical manifestation, treatment needs, and outcomes, there are sufficient common attributes to enable identification and treatment. Accurate diagnosis relies on synthesis of information from history, rating scales, direct observations, and psychometric testing. Close attention must be paid to potential underlying or associated medical, processing, emotional, and psychosocial problems. Multimodal treatment is essential with close collaboration between the child, parents, and professionals. While there is a risk of negative outcomes if the symptoms are left unattended, many of these children also harbor strengths that need to be identified and nurtured.