"Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), formerly regarded as a typical childhood disorder, is now known as a developmental disorder persisting over the lifespan. Starting in preschool-age, symptoms vary depending on the age group affected," investigators in Bremen, Germany report (see also Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

"According to the variability of ADHD-symptoms and the heterogeneity of comorbid psychiatric disorders, a broad review of recent studies was performed. These findings were summarized in a developmental psychopathological model, documenting relevant facts on a timeline. Based on a genetic disposition and a neuropsychological deregulation, there is evidence for factors which persist across the lifespan, change age-dependently, or show validity in a specific developmental phase. Qualitative changes can be found for children in preschool-age and adults. These differences have implications for clinical practice as they can be used for prevention, diagnostic proceedings, and therapeutic intervention as well as for planning future studies," wrote S. Schmidt and colleagues, University of Bremen.

The researchers concluded: "The present article is a translated and modified version of the German article ''Entwicklungspsychopathologie der ADHS'', published in Zeitschrift fur Psychiatrie, Psychologie und Psychotherapie, 56, 2008, S. 265-274."

Schmidt and colleagues published their study in BMC Psychiatry (Developmental psychopathology: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). BMC Psychiatry, 2009;9():58).

For additional information, contact S. Schmidt, University of Bremen, Center Clinic Psychology & Rehabilitation, Bremen, Germany.

The publisher of the journal BMC Psychiatry can be contacted at: Biomedical Central Ltd., 236 Grays Inn Rd., Floor 6, London WC1X 8HL, England.