[Pediatric ADHD: what does the otolaryngologist need to know?]

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects around 5% of all children and adolescents worldwide. The causes of ADHD are multifactorial, with a large genetic influence but also involvement of exogenic and psychosocial factors. Its core symptoms consist of attention deficits, hyperactivity and disruption of impulse control. It is important that symptoms appear before the age of six and are evident in multiple different situations, such as in familial and school environments. ADHD is a dimensional disorder, which means that the diagnostic process is time consuming, comprising a physical and neurological examination, behavioral observations and differentiated psychological assessments. In the field of otolaryngology, ADHD represents one of the important differential diagnoses to an auditory processing disorder (APD), alongside reading- and writing impairments and delayed speech development. In the instance of additional behavioral problems or more severe symptoms, it is advisable to transfer the patient to a specialized pediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist for appropriate counseling and treatment where required.