Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Preschool ADHD: exploring uncertainties in diagnostic validity and utility, and treatment efficacy and safety

Edmund J S Sonuga-Barke1, David Daley, Margaret Thompson

  • 1Centre for Research in Psychological Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. ejb3@soton.ac.uk

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|October 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Preschool attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and management are reviewed, including treatment efficacy and stimulant safety. Early intervention is crucial, but caution is advised when using psychostimulants in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Child psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Pediatric medicine

Background:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in preschoolers.
  • Accurate diagnosis and effective management are critical for long-term outcomes.
  • Existing research supports the construct of ADHD in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current scientific and clinical understanding of preschool ADHD.
  • To critically analyze diagnostic challenges and research supporting ADHD's utility.
  • To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and side effects of ADHD treatments in preschoolers.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of clinical and neuropsychological research.
  • Analysis of studies on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
  • Focus on safety and side effect profiles of psychostimulants.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports the clinical utility of the ADHD construct in preschoolers.
  • Both medication and behavioral therapies show efficacy.
  • Psychostimulants have potential side effects requiring careful monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification and preventative strategies are important for preschool ADHD.
  • Caution is necessary when prescribing psychostimulants to young children due to potential risks.
  • A balanced approach considering efficacy and safety is essential for managing preschool ADHD.

More Related Videos

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol13:09

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol

Published on: April 1, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)01:27

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...