[Mild and severe organic brain disorders in childhood]

An outline of the classification of minor brain dysfunction and severe brain syndrome is followed by a short historical sketch of the development of the concept of minor brain dysfunction and a description of the clinical and diagnostic relevance of this concept. After evaluation of specific therapeutic approaches, selected empirical studies are reported to elucidate the course of the disorder. The issue concerning the existence of a behavioral syndrome that characterizes severe brain disorders is discussed. The presentation of selected research findings on psychopathological and neuropsychological sequelae of severe brain traumas provides the argument for the final discussion. The necessity of qualifying a highly specific, narrowly defined psychopathological syndrome in childhood is emphasized.