This article critically reviews the broad scope of literature related to diagnostic criteria, the etiological basis as well as the pharmacological and behavioral treatments of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. The electronic databases Medline, LILACS, PsycINFO and PubMed of the last three decades were consulted. The results of this review indicated a predominance of diagnostic criteria based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and the necessity of an increased interaction between biological and behavioral variables in understanding the etiological basis and treatment of this disorder. Suggestions to maximize the effectiveness of this interaction are presented and discussed.
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); review; treatments