Biopsychosocial perspective of ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered a major public health problem, not only for its high prevalence but also because the symptoms have an impact on activities in daily life at both familial and school levels as well as on a general social level. Clinical evaluation of ADHD was based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases ICD 10, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM IV and comorbidity phenomena. Therefore, it has not yet developed into evaluations any more comprehensive than activity limitations and participation restrictions from a biopsychosocial model of disability, as proposed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health ICF. Thus, it is necessary to start assessment processes of children with ADHD using the functionality and performance components proposed by the ICF, allowing a new approach and a greater understanding of the health status of this population from a more holistic perspective in relation to the disability. Objective: To identify the theoretical elements that justify the importance of addressing ADHD from a biopsychosocial perspective as proposed by the evaluation of the ICF model, ensuring comprehensive assessment processes. This article is the result of a theoretical review addressed in research projects around the design, validity and reliability of assessment instruments of activity limitations and participation restrictions in children with ADHD.