[The influence of brain dysfunction on child development]

In childhood and adolescence two forms of so-called ''psychoorganic syndrome" are distinguished. The early form, in the English and American literature called minimal brain dysfunction, impairs the entire development of the personality in its somatic and psychic aspects. It requires extensive therapeutic efforts. Early diagnosis therefore is of great preventive importance. The infantile psychoorganic syndrome which is acquired later in childhood can be distinguished from the early form by the fact that the impairment is usually only temporary, the etiology is understood and therefore understanding for the child is present. Minimal brain dysfunction when it continues into adolescence is called juvenile psychoorganic syndrome. The emotional liability and irritability which characterises the pubescent period are intensified in the early adolescent with juvenile psychoorganic syndrome and therefore stand out. The brain damage acquired in adolescence resembles the one acquired in adulthood. It is characterised however by the problems of this age group (identity, vocational decisions, social sexual maturations etc).