ABSTRACT
Most young children are, by nature, active, energetic, impulsive and flit from one activity to another. Hyperkinetic disorder (HKD) indicates persistent developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which cause functional impairment in the child. The constellation of traits included in the description of HKD is present in the child population as a continuum of severity. This chapter adheres the European concept of HKD rather than the US concept of Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But some of the medication trials referred to are from children diagnosed with ADHD. The general consensus is that these findings have more applicability to HKD where the symptoms are more severe. The diagnosis and treatment of HKD evokes much emotion especially among non-medical members of the multidisciplinary teams. Taken as a syndrome that responds significantly to medication, it is a useful concept. There is no doubt that stimulant medication improves the core symptoms of HKD; their effect on aggression and non-compliance are marginal.
