Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in preschoolers - Does it exist and should we treat it?

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in preschool children is both difficult and controversial. Inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity-prominent features of ADHD are typical behaviors of most children in this age group. Aggressive, noncompliant, and destructive behaviors may be reflective of temperamental characteristics, environmental stress, or poor parenting rather than ADHD. Interdisciplinary assessment is often useful in sorting out various origins of problematic behavior. Stimulant medications have been shown to be safe in young children but should be used conservatively, given the difficulty in making the correct diagnosis. Parent counseling is a key component of treatment.