[Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder: what is currently known and its significance for ENT specialists].

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder characterised by marked problems with inattention and increased impulsiveness, with or without hyperactivity; in most cases it becomes obvious in nursery-school-age children, and the latest point for its initial appearance is while the child affected is at primary school. Even in children of normal intelligence, the cognitive, emotional, and social development is decidedly limited, which can have corresponding ramifications for adult life. If left untreated it can progress to dissocial development and give the impression of an impulsive personality disorder in adulthood.ENT specialists are also confronted with children, adolescents and even adults in whom ADHD has already been diagnosed in the course of investigations/treatment. If the suspicion of hearing impairment as the cause of problems in daily life is not confirmed in a patient not hitherto known to have ADHD ENT specialists should also consider ADHD in the differential diagnosis. In this report the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies currently applied for ADHD and their importance for ENT specialists are presented.